COLUMBIA, S.C. — Democratic members of the South Carolina House have walked out of the chamber to protest a bill that would ban nearly all abortions in the state.
The members left the chamber Wednesday minutes before the fetal heartbeat bill was to come up for a vote. Rep. Todd Rutherford said the Democratic Caucus will not join in on the discussion of S.1 today as protest and calls it a “farce.”
A few Democrats stayed behind Wednesday to deliver speeches opposing the bill before it was to go to a vote.
After the Democratic Caucus left the House Chambers, Rep. Justin Bamberg said, “we’re pro life but we’re also pro mind your damn business.”
Republican members are expected to pass the vote easily and it will head soon to Republican Gov. Henry McMaster for his signature. McMaster has promised numerous times in news conferences and formal speeches to sign it as soon as possible.
The proposal passed the Senate on Jan. 28. It faces a final procedural vote that likely won’t change the outcome and will then be sent to the governor for his signature.
