Texas Senator Derides ‘Crazy’ Move to Take Away Tampons From Abortion Debate Spectators

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The leader of the Texas Senate Democrats says he intervened to stop state troopers from confiscating feminine hygiene products from women trying to watch the ongoing debate over abortion restrictions.

State Sen. Kirk Watson of Austin called it a "boneheaded" and "crazy" decision to confiscate tampons as state troopers sought to take away items that could be thrown from the gallery.

Watson says he's been assured that the practice will stop.

Senators gathered Friday to vote again on new abortion restrictions. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst — the Senate president — has tightened security and promised to stop disruptions after shouting protesters ran out the clock on a vote in the last session.

The Texas Department of Public Safety did not immediately say why tampons were taken away.