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From an article on Forward Progressives:

The Texas Department of Public Safety forced women to hand over their tampons and pads before entering the Senate chamber today. Not only that, but they were also forcing diabetics to hand over sugar packets and other diabetes supplies which are lifelines when dealing with low blood glucose levels.

The article also claims that guns were allowed in the Senate Chambers:

And the kicker — those with concealed handgun licenses who wanted to enter the Senate chamber were not only allowed to keep their handguns, but they were allowed to bypass the long lines and enter through a “special” CHL (concealed handgun license) line.

The whole thing sounds a bit too bizarre, and the source is certainly partisan. So what did actually happen? Did they confiscate diabetes supplies and tampons while allowing anyone with a concealed carry permit to bring a handgun inside?

Mad Scientist
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    Two more, slightly more respectable sources: [HuffPo](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/12/tampons-confiscated-texas_n_3588177.html?ncid=edlinkusaolp00000003) and [Slate](http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2013/07/12/tampons_and_pads_not_allowed_in_texas_statehouse_as_senate_debate_on_abortion.html) – Konrad Rudolph Jul 13 '13 at 17:36
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    This may have something to do with the fact that liberal protestors wanted to throw tampons and pads at legislators; while legal gun carriers had no plans to shoot any legislators. – user5341 Jul 23 '13 at 17:13

1 Answers1

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Tampons were confiscated from spectators wishing to enter the galley area. (Alexandra Petri. Security at Texas legislature confiscated tampons, let guns go, FoxNews.com Texas Dems vow to fight abortion bill passed by Republican-led Senate)

Also confiscated were feminine pads, suspected urine, feces, and paint. (FoxNews.com)

Also, sugar packets, condoms — "anything that could be thrown at legislators". (The Atlantic Wire. Tampons Confiscated, Guns Allowed as Texas Senate Debates Abortion)

Guns were allowed for those with concealed carry licenses. (Petri) (An Entry Reserved for Those With Guns)

Eventually, State Sen. Kirk Watson had the guards stop the confiscations. (Petri)

I can't find a reliable source regarding the claim about diabetic supplies.

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    In context of the quote, "... and other diabetic supplies" might mean sugar, sugary foods, pop, etc. – ChrisW Jul 13 '13 at 16:30