After clearing gallery, Florida Senate OKs 6-week abortion ban
After clearing gallery, Florida Senate OKs 6-week abortion ban
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TALLAHASSEE After an emotional debate including outbursts from spectators that prompted the president to clear the gallery, the Florida Senate voted 26-13 on Monday for a six-week ban on abortion.
This Legislation is unrealistic and a major overreach into our lives, and, in essence, it is a total ban on abortion, Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando said.
The measure, which outlaws most abortions after six weeks, has been the source of lengthy, intense and emotional debate in both the House and Senate chambers, with legislators sometimes sharing their own abortion stories.
At one point during the debate, Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez, R-Miami, was speaking in favor of the bill when someone from the audience started shouting.
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, asked for the Sergeant of Arms, told the audience member to be quiet and halted the debate to demand decorum.
Visitors in the gallery, this is a very emotional issue, Passidomo said. We treat members of both sides of the issue with respect and dignity and if you speak up youre going to be asked to leave.