Rick Perry signs Texas abortion restrictions into law (VIDEO)

Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed sweeping abortion restrictions into law Thursday as protesters dressed in black shouted "shame" from the corridors of the State Capitol, bringing an end to weeks protests and sometimes raucous debate.

The restrictions are among the toughest in the country.

They ban abortions after 20 weeks and puts such high standards on abortion clinics in the Lonestar State that many could be forced to shut down.

Supporters credited God's will as Perry signed the legislation, passed after weeks of protests, two special legislative sessions and an all-day Democratic filibuster by Sen. Wendy Davis that made headlines worldwide.

"Today, we celebrate the further cementing of the foundation on which the culture of life in Texas is built upon," Perry told the crowd in the Capitol auditorium. "It is our responsibility and duty to give voice to the unborn individuals."

Near the end of his remarks, the shouts of protesters outside nearly drowned out his voice.

Opponents of the restrictions, like Planned Parenthood, have vowed a fight in the courts.

“People are enraged by this law, and it has created a whole new generation of activists who are in it for the long run to elect leaders who will protect women’s health," said Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and a daughter of former Texas Gov. Ann Richards.