Wendy Davis supporters roar approval at rally in protest at Texas abortion bill
Davis headlines rally attended by several thousand people as legislators begin special session to try to force through bill
Wendy Davis and fellow Democratic state senator Kirk Watson speak at a women's rights rally before the special session in Austin. Photograph: Ashley Landis/EPA
Wendy Davis was rather more concise than a week earlier, but the effect of her latest speech was the same on Monday: cheers and chants from her energised legion of fans protesting the latest attempt by TexasRepublicans to pass one of the country's most restrictive abortion laws.
The state senator from Fort Worth headlined a rally, attended by several thousand people, as legislators prepared to begin a special session designed to force through the bill that was thwarted in large part thanks to Davis' marathon filibuster.
Activists, actors and politicians joined Davis on the steps of the state capitol in Austin to protest against a Republican-backed bill that will ban abortions after 20 weeks and, opponents say, force all but five of the state's 42 abortion clinics to close.
This time, Davis stood and talked for 10 minutes, not 10 hours, but her supporters roared their approval of every soundbite. Many wore pink sneakers, in tribute to the comfortable footwear Davis sported last week. Above, an airplane circled central Austin trailing the message "Stand With Wendy". That slogan, and others such as "Stand With Texas Women", were also visible on orange T-shirts and placards.
One sign accused the Texas governor, Rick Perry, of being "soft on guns and tough on vaginas". A small number of anti-abortion campaigners also made their case in sweltering heat, as dozens of police officers looked on.
Last Tuesday, Davis set out to speak for 13 hours without sitting, leaning on a desk, taking a break or drifting off-topic in order to thwart passage of the bill before the midnight deadline. She fell roughly two hours short of her target but her fellow Democrats then helped stall proceedings. With fifteen minutes left before midnight, noise from the public gallery caused chaotic scenes and prevented voting formalities from finishing in time.
However, victory was short-lived, as Perry took a public sideswipe at Davis and called a special 30-day session starting today to give the legislation another opportunity to pass. Given the large Republican majority in the senate and their determination not to fail again, there is virtually no chance that the proposals can be halted this time.
But whether Davis's momentum can be stopped is another question. The state senator became a star when her filibuster attracted nationwide attention as it went viral on social media and drew the backing of President Obama. There are rumours she will run for Texas governor in next year's elections. Davis has been coy on the speculation but on Monday hinted to NBC News that she might consider a bid for the state's top position.
At the rally, Davis said she was "humbled and gratified" by the support. "Less than a week ago you were at the crux of a turning point for Texas history," she told the crowd. Davis mentioned her difficult background as a poor single mother who worked her way through law school before entering politics. Then she sought to widen the debate beyond abortion to other issues affecting women, including equal pay and healthcare.
"Let's remind Rick Perry that fairness is and always will be a fundamental Texas value," she said. "They have messed with the way that Texas women can get cancer screening, or birth control, or even pre-natal care."
After Davis finished speaking, many in the crowd raised their arms and sang along as Aretha Franklin's Respect blared out from loudspeakers in scenes more reminiscent of a rock concert than a political event.
Waving a billboard and wearing pink sneakers, Alison Frost had travelled 220 miles from Corpus Christi to join the throng. "I think she's brilliant and I am so proud of her," said the 50-year-old teacher. "I don't think it'll make a difference with the vote but it will rally people."
More protests are planned as the bill proceeds through the senate. Lines formed outside the capitol as people queued to enter the building. The session began at 2pm local time but was swiftly adjourned until July 9.
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