AUSTIN, Texas: Republicans in the Texas Legislature passed an omnibus abortion bill that is one of the most restrictive in the US, but Democrats vowed yesterday to fight in the courts and at the ballot box as they used the measure to rally their supporters.
More than 2,000 demonstrators filled the Capitol building in Austin to voice their opposition to the bill, including six protesters who were dragged out of the Senate chamber by state troopers for trying to disrupt the debate.
The Republican majority passed the bill unchanged just before midnight, with all but one Democrat voting against it.
“Today the Texas Legislature took its final step in our historic effort to protect life,” said Gov. Rick Perry, who will sign the bill into law in the next few days.
“This legislation builds on the strong and unwavering commitment we have made to defend life and protect women’s health.”