Police clear protesters from Panama’s congress

PANAMA CITY — Opponents of proposed constitutional reforms have been cleared from Panama’s congress with pepper spray fired by police.

Hundreds of demonstrators tried to storm Congress Tuesday, and some made it into the front door, while others knocked down part of a perimeter fence.

It was the third day of protests against reforms to the country’s constitution that give more power to Congress.

Proponents of same-sex marriage are angry that proposal was dropped from the reform package.

Some demonstrators say the reforms haven’t included public input. The reforms also allow Congress to change the national budget, set its salary and oversee investigations of judges and prosecutors.

The Associated Press