No Tampons and Pads Allowed in the Texas Senate, Vaginas OK (For Now)
This afternoon, the Texas State Senate is debating House Bill 2, a hugely restrictive anti-abortion bill that would ban late-term abortions. A vote may take place tonight, so the capital gallery is currently at full-capacity. Meanwhile, state troopers have been searching through bags to confiscate tampons, feminine pads, and tissues before spectators have been allowed inside:
I just asked DPS myself: NO TAMPONS OR MAXI PADS IN GALLERY. "Nothing that can be thrown at Senators" #HB2
— Jessica W. Luther (@scATX) July 12, 2013
Confirmed: state troopers are searching all bags and confiscating tampons and pads. #hb2 #sb1
— Andrea Grimes (@andreagrimes) July 12, 2013
Woman just handed this to me. No tampons, pads, condoms allowed in gallery #txlege #HB2 #SWTW pic.twitter.com/tGY9IWsUiw
— Shelby Alexander (@ShelbyLAlex) July 12, 2013
A guy in orange taking tampons from women before they go through security at the gallery #HB2 http://t.co/mW9ufBSuFB
— Jessica W. Luther (@scATX) July 12, 2013
Officials were apparently concerned about an online rumor that pro-choice activists were planning to throw feminine products at the senators, which the AP confirms.
I also do not advise bringing children to the Capitol tomorrow. Proaborts are looking for trouble.
— Abby Johnson (@AbbyJohnson) July 12, 2013
There was also a rumor that "proaborts" were planning to flash their "lady parts" in the senate gallery. So far, vaginas have not been confiscated. Don't worry, there's still time.
Update: KEYE-TV reports that Senate Democrat leader of Kirk Watson of Austin told state troopers to stop confiscating feminine-hygiene products (via Khalela).
