Glitter bomb attacks pose a health and safety risk, anti-gay lawmakers warned
Lawmakers in Texas have been warned of the risks posed by gay rights ‘glitter bomb’ attacks, as several anti-gay laws hit the state legislature.
Glitter-bombing is a form of protest where politicians who oppose LGBT rights either have glitter dumped over their heads, or are sent large amounts of glitter in packages.
As several anti-LGBT bills make their way through the Texas legislature – including bills that would nullify anti-discrimination laws, and make it illegal for a trans person to use a public toilet – the Texas Department of Public Safety is warning lawmakers of the risks.
In an email to members of the State Congress, it warns: “Glitter bombing… may pose a health hazard to the recipient in the form of glitter particles entering the eyes, nose, lungs or other soft tissue, which may result in irritation or infection.
“Glitter bombing is a relatively recent phenomenon and has been adopted as a form of protest, particularly (but not exclusively) by gay rights activists and supporters.
“Although glitter bombing as an offense has yet to be codified, some legal officials argue glitter bombing is technically an assault and battery.”
Pro-gay group Texas Wins told the Texas Tribune: “Our ‘weapon of choice’ to end ugly discrimination against hardworking gay and transgender Texans are core values – like opportunity and freedom. Glitter is not one of them.”
Republican Newt Gingrich was targeted by a glitter bomb in 2011, while lawmakers including Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum have also been targeted.
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