Bishop Tobin’s debate with a Rhode Island congressman was the subject of a testy exchange Monday night in a live interview with the bishop on MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris Matthews.”

Matthews asked the bishop what kind of laws he would write if he were a member of Congress.

“I am not a member of Congress, but if I were, I would never be in a position of supporting any abortion legislation that encourages abortion,” Tobin replied.

“What law would you pass?” Matthews pressed. “You’re coming down on Congressman Kennedy and other public officials. …Would you outlaw abortion?”

“That’s the direction our nation ought to move,” Tobin responded.

“Your problem with Congressman Kennedy is his position on the law and what the law should read on abortion. What should a good Catholic believe about the law? Tell Catholics now on national television how they should vote as members of Congress.”

Tobin’s reply: “Catholics should vote for laws that preserve and protect human life.”

But Matthews demanded more specifics. If abortion were to be outlawed, should women who procure abortions be thrown in jail?

“I have no idea what the penalty would be,” Tobin replied.

rdujardi@projo.com