As protesters converged on the Texas Senate gallery as lawmakers debated and voted on controversial new abortion restrictions, including banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), issued a statement informing the public that due to information received, all bags would be inspected before individuals would be permitted entry into the Senate gallery.
"During these inspections, DPS officers have thus far discovered one jar suspected to contain urine, 18 jars suspected to contain feces, and three bottles suspected to contain paint. All of these items - as well as significant quantities of feminine hygiene products, glitter and confetti possessed by individuals - were required to be discarded; otherwise those individuals were denied entry into the gallery," the statement read.
The bill bans abortions past 20 weeks of gestation, forces abortion clinics to become ambulatory surgical centers, strengthens guidelines for the drug RU486 and requires doctors that perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic at which they're performing abortions. (Source)
The Texas Senate passed the bill late on Friday by a vote of 19 to 11, after a long drawn out debate, in front of a full public gallery while protesters yelled and chanted outside the chamber. Governor Rick Perry is expected to sign the bill into law.
Below are a couple clips of the protests, including one where protesters chain themselves in the Senate gallery.
