In a ceremony kept private by GOP state lawmakers Monday afternoon, Missouri native and conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh was formally introduced as a member of Missouri's Hall of Famous Missourians.

Limbaugh's candidacy for the honor has been under fire by Democrats for months, sparked by his comments made about a Georgetown University graduate student who had spoken out in support of birth control.

In March, Creve Coeur area State Representative Jill Schupp spoke out against the honor, saying it would inflame half the state and "could detract from the greatness of those Missourians included in the Hall of Famous Missourians."

In his remarks, which can be seen in this YouTube clip Limbaugh said he was stunned, "but not speechless" and acknowledged the controversy over his selection. He praised Republican House leaders for the honor and called critics of the move "deranged".

The ceremony was not open to the public, and was held several hours before the House was set to convene for business Monday afternoon. The Associated Press has more on the day's developments, including if the honor means that Limbaugh's statue will actually be displayed in the Rotunda.