- The Washington Times - Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Some activists at the Texas Capitol were hurling expletives at the church during the lawmakers’ discussion of an abortion bill that would ban the procedure after 20 weeks of pregnancy, a media organization reported.

Life News reported that abortion bill protesters had started up a chant: “Women must decide their fate, not the church, not the state.” But some protesters were screaming instead: “[Expletive] the church, not the state,” the organization reported.

Bryan Kemper of the group Stand True clarified in a tweet, posted on Life News’ website: “Some are saying the F word and some are not. Three of my interns confirm some dropping f bomb instead of Not.”

The protests over the abortion bill have reached new levels of vitriol in recent weeks. Activists on both sides of the issue traded chants the other day — one side sang “Amazing Grace,” while the other side hacked, “Hail Satan.”

Lawmakers supporting the bill have reported the receipt of death threats, various media reported. All that comes on the heels of a Democratic-led filibuster of the bill a few days ago that halted its passage and led to Gov. Rick Perry’s call for a second special session.

On Tuesday evening, the Texas House passed the restrictions once again — sending the bill to the Senate for likely passage. Both sides of the legislature are controlled by Republicans.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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