Senator Kirsten Gillibrand yesterday filed the Military Justice Improvement Act as an amendment to the FY16 National Defense Authorization Act.
Speier and Meehan Introduce HALT Campus Sexual Violence Act
Representatives Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Patrick Meehan (R-PA) today re-introduced the Hold Accountable and Lend Transparency (HALT) Campus Sexual Violence Act to strengthen efforts to combat the epidemic of sexual violence on college campuses. “We have to stop campus sexual assault in its tracks,” said Speier. “We need real enforcement that will make colleges live […]
Ninth Circuit Rules Idaho’s Abortion Ban and Several Abortion Restrictions Unconstitutional
In a major victory for women’s reproductive rights, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit last week upheld a lower court ruling striking down Idaho’s 20-week abortion ban, ruling that the law was “facially unconstitutional” because it banned abortions before viability, in direct violation of Roe v. Wade. This is the second time […]
Groups Hold National Day of Action to Oppose “Fast Tracking” of TPP
Activist groups are hosting a National Call-in Day of Action today, asking individuals across the nation to call their Representatives in the U.S. House and urge them to oppose Trade Promotion Authority, or “Fast Track”, for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a sweeping trade agreement that has raised serious human rights concerns and threatens US jobs. Fast […]
President Ghani Confirms: Four Women Ambassadors to be Appointed in Afghanistan
Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan, announced that at least four women will be appointed as foreign diplomats, as well as made other promises for appointments of female government officials at varying levels of Afghanistan’s government. Last week, the Office of the President of Afghanistan tweeted that “at least four women ambassadors will be appointed to represent […]
UN Conference for Climate Change Features Workshops on Gender and Climate
The annual United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change began yesterday in Bonn, Germany to discuss how to manage the scientific phenomenon of a changing climate and the effects it has on the Global South and women. The conference will feature a multitude of meetings and workshops ranging from early warning systems in relation to […]
Kansas House Passes Amendment to Abortion Bill
The Kansas House of Representatives passed a bill this weekend to slightly lessen Kansas women’s access to abortion care. The bill, which was introduced this year in response to a court order that blocked a 2011 anti-abortion bill from being implemented, passed in the House 109-2 and will now go to the governor. HB 2228 […]
Murder Charges in Rana Plaza Garment Factory Collapse
Bangladeshi officials have charged 41 people with murder for the April 2013 Rana Plaza factory collapse that killed at least 1,127 workers, many of whom were young women. Those charged include Sohel Rana, the owner of Rana Plaza, as well as at least a dozen government officials. Another individual was charged with building code violations. The multi-story […]
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This Seattle High School Just Changed the Face of Birth Control Access for Students
A public high school in Seattle will now be offering services for its students to provide long-lasting birth control, such as IUDs or hormonal implants, at the school-based health center. In 2009 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommended contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices as the most effective method of reducing unintended pregnancies […]
High School Student Wins International Award for Creating HIV Test
Nicole Ticea, a teen from Vancouver, Canada, won a top prize at the Intel International and Engineering Fair, the world’s largest high school science research competition for her invention of a simple and low-cost HIV test. Ticea, who is just 16, created a simple and inexpensive HIV test that can be sold over-the-counter at very […]
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Appeals Court Rules Abortion Ban Past 12 Weeks Unconstitutional
The eight circuit Court of Appeals just ruled an Arkansas abortion ban at 12 weeks of pregnancy as unconstitutional, permanently blocking this extreme abortion ban. SB 134, which state legislators attempted to pass as a regulation, would ban all abortions past 12 weeks with very few exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or medical emergencies. […]
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#SayHerName Protests Take Place in California and Across the Nation
Dozens of topless protesters stopped traffic in San Francisco last week on the National Day of Action for Black Women and Girls to protest the lack of national attention for black women killed by police brutality. The protesters blocked a popular intersection in San Francisco, California, with signs and body paint with messages like this […]
California Passes Reproductive FACT Act
The California State Assembly passed the Reproductive Freedom, Accountability, Comprehensive Care and Transparency (FACT) Act yesterday.
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Today in Herstory: Suffrage Amendment Set for Ratification
May 26, 1919: Despite the frantic efforts of opponents, the Susan B. Anthony (nationwide woman suffrage) Amendment appears to be on the verge of final passage by Congress, and being sent to the States for ratification.
Ireland Votes Overwhelmingly to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
Ireland became the first country in the world to pass marriage equality through popular vote on Friday.
Maryland Governor Will Not Veto LGBT Rights Bills
The Maryland General Assembly passed SB 743 / HB 862 and SB 416 / HB 838 by wide margins and with bipartisan support on March 24, after which both were sent to the Governor’s desk.
New York Politicians, Advocates, and Activists Have Come Together to Protect Nail Salon Workers
Following a report by the New York Times on the exploitation of nail salon workers almost two weeks ago, New York state and city officials have partnered with advocates and volunteers to bring comprehensive educational programs and labor reforms to the 5,000 licensed salons in the state.
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Senate Votes to Advance “Fast Tracking” of Dangerous Trade Agreement
The US Senate voted yesterday to advance “fast track” trade legislation on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement.
Los Angeles May Be The Next City to Raise The Minimum Wage to $15
The Los Angeles City Council voted 14 to 1 on Tuesday to have the City Attorney draft an ordinance that would raise the minimum wage for certain workers to $10.50 an hour effective July 2016, and then gradually to $15 an hour by 2020.
SLUT: The Play Performance in DC Was a Call to Action for Consent Education
Last night, SLUT: The Play, a powerful play about the realities of sexual assault in high schools, was performed for thousands at the Warner Theatre in Washington DC.