850,000 households across the country – encompassing 1.7 million people – are now set to lose around $90 a month in food stamp benefits because of the US Senate vote last night on the 2014 Farm Bill.
Uncategorized
Founding Feminists: February 5, 1917
Margaret Sanger is in Brooklyn’s Raymond Street Jail tonight, beginning a 30-day sentence for the “crime” of giving out birth control information.
Family Medical Leave Act Turns 21 Today
Some 100 million U.S. workers have enjoyed time off because of the FMLA, and most employers have reported no negative impact on business profitability or productivity because of the law.
Uncategorized
UN Demands Vatican Take Action Against Child Sexual Abuse
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has urged the Vatican act to address child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy members and take measures to prevent it from happening in the future. The CRC recommended that the Holy See remove all clergy who are confirmed or suspected child abusers from their […]
Uncategorized
Founding Feminists: February 4, 1919
With just six days left until a crucial vote in the Senate, William Jennings Bryan spent today at the Capitol lobbying hard for the one more vote suffrage supporters still need for final Congressional approval of the Susan B. Anthony Amendment.
Louisiana Scraps Abortion Restrictions After Pro-Choice Protests
Pro-choice activists who traveled to Baton Rouge are hosting a celebratory rally this afternoon.
Presidential Candidates Begin Campaigns for Afghanistan’s April Election
Candidates for Afghanistan’s upcoming April election kicked off their presidential campaigns on Sunday. According to TOLO News, many of the 11 candidates have focused on similar, broad issues so far, including security, human rights, women’s participation in government, corruption, and economic development. Activists and members of Afghanistan’s parliament pointed out the lack of specific goals […]
Uncategorized
Founding Feminists: February 3, 1919
Sixty-three of the sixty-four votes needed for final Congressional passage of the Susan B. Anthony Amendment have now been pledged!
US Abortion Rate Decreases to Lowest Level Since 1973
A Guttmacher Institute study released last week reveals that the abortion rate in the United States is at its lowest rate since 1973, when the Supreme Court recognized a woman’s right to an abortion in Roe v. Wade.
Minnesota Lawmakers Introduce Women’s Economic Security Act
Last week, Minnesota lawmakers introduced an expansive legislative package — dubbed the “Women’s Economic Security Act of 2014″ — to address a wide range of issues affecting women working outside of the home, including mandated paid sick leave, increased minimum wage and expanded access to childcare.
Local Pregnancy Discrimination Laws Go Into Effect While PWFA Remains Stalled in Congress
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, currently stalled in both chambers of Congress, would require every employer in the nation to provide the same accommodations and protections to their employees.
Uncategorized
Founding Feminists: January 31, 1917
Ethel Byrne’s prison ordeal for the “crime” of dispensing information about birth control may soon be nearing an end – and have done enormous good.
Senate Democratic Women Speak Out In Support of Raising the Minimum Wage
“Full time work should not be rewarded with full time poverty. Hardworking men and women who are busting their tails in full-time jobs should have a chance to support themselves and their families and build a little economic security. It is time for Congress to act and raise the minimum wage.”
Sandra Fluke “Strongly Considering” Bid for House Seat
Sandra Fluke, the well-known women’s rights activist and attorney, is “strongly considering” running for Rep. Henry Waxman’s congressional seat, she told a California radio station yesterday.
Uncategorized
Founding Feminists: January 30, 1917
Imprisoned birth control advocate Ethel Byrne’s force-feedings continue, as do nationwide protests over her conviction and treatment.
Maryland Considers College Sexual Assault Reporting Bill
A Maryland House of Delegates committee heard testimony yesterday on a bill that would require all state universities and colleges to administer an anonymous sexual violence survey every three years — to more accurately determine how many assaults are occurring on campuses — and then report those findings to the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
New York State Assembly Passes Omnibus Women’s Equality Act
“All of these issues are related. A woman’s reproductive rights are just as related to how she can care for her family as discrimination in the workplace. Connecting the dots on women’s equality is important. “
House and Senate Democrats File Amicus Briefs in Support of Affordable Care Act Contraception Benefit
91 House Democrats, 19 Senate Democrats, and the National Women’s Law Center filed separate amicus briefs Tuesday in support of the contraceptive coverage benefit in the Affordable Care Act.
Penn State Under Investigation for Handling of Sexual Assault and Harassment on Campus
“Our initial review of Penn State’s sexual harassment policy, compounded by a dramatic increase in the number of forcible sex offenses occurring on camp[us as reported by the university itself, raised legal concerns that compelled us to investigate.”
Uncategorized
Founding Feminists: January 29, 1917
Three thousand people cheered Margaret Sanger’s speech earlier tonight at Carnegie Hall, as she called for the repeal or overturning of Section 1142 of the New York State Penal Code and all similar statutes.