outside gallery doors

After watching the livestream on the computer most of the day, we decided to head down to the Capitol and document the hundreds (thousands maybe?) of SB5 protesters lining the hallways of the rotunda. The bill would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy and put strict regulations on clinics causing many in the state to close. As midnight approached, everyone waited anxiously to hear or get any update on what was happening inside the chamber. Protesters yelled out “Kill the Bill” a few minutes before midnight outside the Senate Chamber at the Texas State Capitol. After a long and grueling night, I had to get these photos out there. Ultimately, the Republicans struck down Sen. Wendy Davis's (D) 13-hour filibuster. Cheers from the gallery and rotunda stalled the proceedings just long enough for the Republicans to call a vote (17-12 to pass SB5) at 12:02 am on June 26, 2013. However, the session ended at midnight and so, constitutionally, the abortion legislation was defeated. Victory for women's rights and the protesters! For more info, check out The Texas Tribune coverage.

SB5 Protesters outside gallery doors, a set on Flickr.

Photos by Lauren Gerson.