GOP: Don't Prioritize Discrimination Over the Safety of Women
- by: Care2.com
- recipient: House Republican Leaders
As if 2012 didn't already make it abundantly clear, House Republicans just don't get women -- and even worse -- they don't even seem to care.
The 112th Congress ended without renewing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the law that provided resources to victims of domestic and sexual abuse to punish their attackers. House Republicans took issue with its language to protect undocumented immigrant, Native American and LGBT victims of violence too.
That's right: House Republicans put discrimination of gays, lesbians and minorities before justice.
VAWA isn't even controversial. It passed the Senate with 68 votes -- including from staunch conservatives like Idaho's Mike Crapo. It's been renewed twice since it passed nearly 20 years ago with bipartisan support.
Discrimination is at it's worst when it throws victims of abuse under the bus to prove a political point. Tell House Republican Leaders you're ashamed that their party put hate before the health and safety of women.
Dear [Decision Maker],
Shame on you for allowing the Violence Against Women Act to die in the House of Representatives, just because you don't feel like LGBT Americans, undocumented immigrants and Native Americans deserve protection from domestic and sexual violence. How barbaric that you'd deny
anyone the basic resources to protect themselves and prosecute their attackers.
[
Your comments will be added here.]
Your party has made it quite clear that you don't have much regard for women or their rights. But allowing this law to expire goes too far. Plenty of staunch conservatives in the Senate voted for its reauthorization because they recognize that domestic and sexual abusers deserve to have the book thrown at them. Your lack of leadership and respect for women on this issue is appalling.
I expect better of you and your party in the coming Congress.
