LAURA OLSON,Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Dozens of California lawmakers wore pink Monday to show support for a Texas legislator whose lengthy filibuster of an anti-abortion bill gained her national notoriety.
The shoes, ties and jackets seen in both chambers were a nod to the brightly colored sneakers that Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis donned for her 11-hour filibuster last Tuesday. Her remarks lasted long enough to help temporarily block the bill.
The show of solidarity for the Democrat was on the same day the Texas Legislature reconvened in another special session with the goal of passing the abortion restrictions.
The bill would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Additional health care rules would result in all but five of the state’s 42 abortion clinics shutting down.
“We expect she’s got her sneakers on, ready to rock and roll,” said Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara.
Jackson referenced her own pink shoes while presenting a resolution advocating for equal pay for women. In the Assembly, Speaker John Perez, D-Los Angeles, sported pink canvas sneakers, a pink patterned tie and a light pink pocket square.
Wearing pink high-top shoes, Assemblyman Mark Stone, D-Scotts Valley, said he contacted Davis using Facebook to express his support for her efforts. During the filibuster, Davis was not allowed to eat, lean on her desk or leave the chamber to use the restroom.
“To stand there for that length of time, under those rules and that pressure and to stand up to that pressure, it was really phenomenal,” Stone said.
A photograph of the pink-clad California lawmakers will be sent to Davis.
