The Texas legislature kicked off their work for the second special session with a vengeance Monday -- and so did supporters of women's health. Well over 5,000 people flooded the Capitol at high noon on a hot day in July to speak out against Governor Perry's dangerous anti-abortion legislation, sending the message -- yet again -- that a vast majority of Texans oppose these measures and will fight them every step of the way.
There's no question that Natalie Maines (of the Dixie Chicks) got things off on the right foot with a powerful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner -- and it only got better from there. Cheering so loudly that even Governor Perry and Lt. Governor Dewhurst had to hear, the enthusiastic crowd welcomed legislators, actors, Democrats, Republicans -- an inspiring lineup of people who came out to stand with Texas women. As Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards put it: our opponents "may determine what happens in the Capitol -- but they don't determine our future."
It was a truly inspiring day -- and the perfect signal that our work in Texas is only beginning.
Tags: Cecile Richards, Wendy Davis, Texas, Leticia Van de Putte
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