WASHINGTON,
D.C. – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today joined members of
Congress and representatives of women’s rights organizations to protest
a Supreme Court decision that invalidates a provision of the Violence Against
Women Act (VAWA).
The
Supreme Court struck down by a vote of 5-4 the ability of women who are
raped to seek civil damages in federal court stating that sexual violence
does not pose an impediment to the conduct of interstate commerce.
The Justices ruled that Christy Brzonkala, a former Virginia Tech student,
cannot pursue her federal lawsuit against two alleged rapists. The
Supreme Court made its decision even though thirty-six state attorneys
general filed briefs urging the Court to uphold this provision.
“This
is an injustice. The Supreme Court, by the narrowest of margins,
took away a right that women have been fighting to get for years – the
right to seek civil damages in federal court under the interstate commerce
clause. How dare they say that rape does not affect and restrict women’s
choices in jobs and travel? This conservative court is ignoring the
facts, narrowly interpreting the law, and putting women at risk,” Schakowsky
said.
Schakowsky
is the author of legislation that would expand VAWA. The Battered
Immigrant Women Protection Act would expand and protect the rights of immigrant
women who are victims of domestic abuse. The Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault Victims’ Housing Act would expand housing opportunities for women
and children fleeing domestic violence.
“Our
work is cut out for us in Congress. We must reauthorize VAWA as soon
as possible and go even further to ensure that women who are victims of
abuse have the power to fight back,” Schakowsky added. |