Friday, October 23, 2009

almost speechless

Think the women’s rights battle is over? Not even close. In case you haven’t heard, a recent bill was introduced in the Senate prohibiting the Department of Defense from working with contractors “if they restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court.” This bill was introduced in response to an incident where a woman who worked for Halliburton/KBR was gang raped and tortured, but can not sue the company because of a clause in her employment contract. I’m sure when she signed the contract she had no idea that she would be the victim of such atrocious violence, especially at the hands of those within her company.

The bill passed, but sadly, 30 senators actually voted against it. An outraged public has nicknamed them “Republicans for Rape.” Yes, there are always at least two sides to every story, and they have their reasons for voting against the bill. None of those reasons is adequate, though. Oh, and guess what? Not only are all 30 who voted against the bill Republican (though not all Republicans voted against the bill), but also they are all men.

It is time for an end to the good ol’ boys club. If you agree, go to this website for a list of the senators who voted against the bill. If one of them represents you, write him a letter. Otherwise, write to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

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