After Tampongate, We Have Some Questions for Texas DPS
Last week, thousands of Texans flocked to Austin to respond to the Legislature's abortion bill, and the Capitol teemed with crowds in orange and blue. But another group dressed in tan also made their presence known: Texas Department of Public Safety officers.
Although DPS officers are normally assigned to police Texas highways throughout the state, about 300 officers patrolled the Capitol on the last day of Senate debate. In the weeks leading up to the bill's passage, several pro-choice protestors were arrested for nonviolent demonstrations, and at least one woman, Sarah Slamen, was ejected from the building simply because committee members disagreed with her powerful testimony. Nonetheless, most of the officers remained peaceful, even helping protestors find overflow rooms, testimony registration kiosks, and power outlets.
But on Friday, Texas DPS regulations became increasingly aggressive and occasionally downright bizarre. So far, the DPS media office has not provided candid or reliable information, and we have a few unanswered questions.
Why confiscate tampons and pads?
According to the DPS press release, the department "received information that individuals planned to use a variety of items or props to disrupt legislative proceedings." Who was the source, and what made them credible enough to confiscate women's private property? Next time, which "possible projectiles" will be banned from the Senate and House galleries: bras? hearing aids? wheelchairs? According to one woman's report, an officer claimed, "If you don't like it, you can get out of the Capitol." Who has the discretionary authority to determine what citizens must tolerate in order to participate in the political process?
More at http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/13788/after-tampongate-we-have-some-questions-for-texas-dps .
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