Code Pink gives Pawlenty glitter treatment

SAN FRANCISCO, June 17 (UPI) -- Two female activists doused Republican presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty with confetti and glitter as he signed books during an event in San Francisco.

Saying the former Minnesota governor lacks "the courage to stand up for gay rights and women's reproductive rights," the women Thursday threw the confetti at the man who last year vetoed a bill that would have allowed gay couples in Minnesota the right to the remains of deceased partner, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Protesters Nancy Mancias and Chelsea Byers tossed pink glitter and confetti at Pawlenty before a police officer escorted them out of the Moscone Center where the American Health Insurance Plans was meeting, The Bay Citizen reported.

Pawlenty's confetti-ing by the women representing CodePink -- a grassroots peace and social justice movement -- isn't the only time a Republican candidate got a dusting. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich got the glitter treatment as well -- ironically in Minneapolis.

Mancias, a CodePink organizer, said the protest seemed to surprise Pawlenty, The Bay Citizen said.

"He sort of looked at us and had this look of 'Oh, no,'" she said. "I don't think anyone expected what was coming."