Motley Moose – Archive

Since 2008 – Progress Through Politics

abortion rights

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain … (Updated: New Abortion Law Blocked)

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker (R) signed into law the bill requiring transvaginal ultrasounds and effectively closing down two Wisconsin abortion clinics in the dark of night. Well, not quite the dark of night but quietly on a post-holiday Friday.


Under the new Wisconsin law, any woman seeking an abortion would have to get an ultrasound. The technician would have to point out the fetus’ visible organs and external features. Abortion providers would have to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles to perform the procedures.[…]

Walker, a Republican, didn’t sign the bill in public, instead sending out a statement early Friday afternoon saying the bill was now law.

UPDATED: Monday, July 8th Someone was paying attention:

A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of a new Wisconsin law that bans doctors who lack admitting privileges at nearby hospitals from performing abortions.

U.S. District Judge William Conley granted the hold Monday evening after a hearing earlier in the day. The restraining order will remain in place pending a fuller hearing July 17.

The Eyes of Us Are Upon Texas (UPDATED: #sb5isdead)

And what are we looking at?

This, happening right now at the state capitol in Austin:

It is a People’s Filibuster and it is gaining momentum.

Liveblog from Texas Tribune

The clock is ticking for the legislation. To reach Gov. Rick Perry’s desk for final approval, the measure must be approved in the House and Senate before the special session comes to a close Tuesday. Opponents of the legislation hope to delay the proceedings long enough to stymie its passage.