Celebrities Help to Fight Texas Anti-Abortion Bill - East Idaho News
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Celebrities Help to Fight Texas Anti-Abortion Bill

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070113 ConnieBritton?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1372696890853ABC/Randy Holmes(WASHINGTON) — A roster of celebrity women will rally this week on behalf of Texas Democrats as they try for a second time to stop state Republicans from pushing through a restrictive anti-abortion bill.

Celebrity singer Natalie Maines, Friday Night Lights and Nashville actress Connie Britton, actress Lisa Edelstein of House and Stephanie March of Law & Order: SVU have joined Planned Parenthood in the organization’s effort to aid Texas Democrats in round two of their fight against a 20-week abortion ban.

Republican Gov. Rick Perry called on lawmakers to return to Austin for another special session after State Sen. Wendy Davis successfully stopped Republicans last week from approving the law with an 11-hour filibuster.

But as lawmakers return to the Capitol for a second special legislative session, “pro-choice” forces are rallying public support for their cause, all the while knowing that, unlike last week, time is not on their side.

The 30-day session gives Republicans, who hold wide majorities in both the state House and Senate, plenty of time to try whatever legislative maneuvers are necessary to move the bill through.

Maines, lead singer of the country group the Dixie Chicks, Edelstein and March will all join Planned Parenthood at a rally at the state Capitol. They will be joined by Davis, Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, and Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.

Britton, who famously played Tami Taylor, wife of a Texas High School football coach on the cult hit show Friday Night Nights, has commissioned a “WWTTD? What Would Tami Taylor Do” T-shirt for the cause.

“The character Tami on Friday Night Lights is a Texas woman deeply committed to her community and to standing up for what is right for her neighbors and the people she loves,” Britton said in a statement.

“I have been inspired by how people around the country have united to stand with the women of Texas, and I can’t help but think that, in this moment, we all have the opportunity to join with and become strong, powerful Texas men and women.”

The shirt will be available for the month of July.

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