Patrick on Portland boycotting Texas over abortion law: 'A complete joke'

A new Texas abortion law permits private citizens to file lawsuits against abortion providers and anyone else who helps a woman obtain an abortion, including anyone who gives a ride to a clinic or provides financial support, according to an NPR News article. 

Senate Bill 8, or the Texas Heartbeat Bill, includes "abortions after detection of an unborn child's heartbeat; authorizing a private civil right of action," according to LegiScan. 

Portland, Oregon has proposed boycotting Texas over its controversial new abortion law, according to tweets from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

"Portland boycotting Texas is a complete joke," Patrick said in a Twitter post. "A city led by depraved officials allows lawlessness, putting their citizens in grave danger. A boycott will hurt them, not us. Texas’ economy is stronger than ever. We value babies and police, they don’t."

According to KATU News, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said that if the resolution was voted on and approved that it would stay in effect until Texas withdraws the law or the law is overturned in a court. 

Those who succeed in suing an abortion provider could receive $10,000, according to NPR News. 

Portland's city council has postponed a vote on a resolution banning the purchase of goods and services from Texas in protest of the law, according to KATU News. 

"We urge other leaders and elected bodies around the nation to join us in condemning the actions of the Texas state government," Wheeler said in a press release. "Portland City Council stands with the people who may one day face difficult decisions about pregnancy, and we respect their right to make the best decision for themselves."

The ban on trade of goods between Portland and Texas would also forbid Portland employees from going to Texas, according to KATU News. 

"It’s comical that Portland mayor @tedwheeler is worried about Texas when his city defunded the police and he had to ask citizens to 'take back the city.' Texas is solidly #prolife and Texans support law enforcement," Patrick said in a Twitter post. "Meanwhile, Portland is a dumpster fire and Texas is thriving."