A group of anti-choice Republicans reportedly spent 16 minutes on the Texas House floor on Thursday speaking out against a resolution honoring the late Cecile Richards, a Texas native and the longtime president of Planned Parenthood. Richards, the daughter of former Texas Gov. Ann Richards (D), died of brain cancer on January 20.
State Rep. Nate Schatzline (R) kept pushing after state House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) said there was no procedure in place that would allow a formal opposition to a single memorial or congratulatory resolution on a resolutions calendar.
Related:
“So it is the only way we can actually kill this horrific resolution is to vote down the resolutions calendar?” Schatzline asked.
Insights for the LGBTQ+ community
Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more.
“That is your choice, Mr. Schatzline,” Burrows replied, rejecting the group’s request to postpone the resolution as well.
“There’s no possible way that any one of our members can come and speak against recognizing an abortionist on the Texas House floor today?” Schatzline clarified.
“That is not a proper parliamentary inquiry,” Burrows said.
“You are not denying that you are in fact responsible for Planned Parenthood being honored today on today’s calendar!” said state Rep. Brian Harrison (R). “It’s an outrage!” Earlier, Harrison called Richards a “famed abortionist.”
State Rep. Wes Virdell (R) added, “Is it standard procedure to honor people who have killed millions of unborn babies?”
The speaker responded again, “That is not a proper parliamentary inquiry.”
Richards spent her entire life fighting for progressive causes. During her 12 years at the helm of Planned Parenthood, she transformed the organization into the political dynamo it is today. According to the Texas Tribune, the donor and volunteer base grew from 3 million to 11 million during her tenure.
After she died, President Joe Biden said she “fearlessly led us forward to be the America we say we are.”
“Carrying her mom’s torch for justice,” he continued, “she championed some of our Nation’s most important civil rights causes. She fought for the dignity of workers, defended and advanced women’s reproductive rights and equality, and mobilized our fellow Americans to exercise their power to vote. She was a leader of utmost character and I know that her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Subscribe to the LGBTQ Nation newsletter and be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.
