Join me and stand up for rape victims.
From MoveOn.org:
A far-reaching anti-choice bill, introduced by Republican Chris Smith and supported by 173 members of the House, includes a provision that could redefine rape and set women's rights back by decades.
Right now, federal dollars can't be used for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, or when the woman's life is in danger. But the Smith bill would narrow that use to "cases of 'forcible' rape but not statutory or coerced rape."
As far too many women know, bruises and broken bones do not define rape - a lack of consent does. Please sign the petition today.
A compiled petition with your individual comment will be presented to your Senators and Representative.
Go here, and sign the petition:
http://pol.moveon.org/smithbill/?rc=fb.share.smithbill.1.2
Note: this is not a Republican or Democrat thing -- people from both parties are supporting and not supporting the bill. This is a time for unity and justice, not for bipartisanship.
Austinites: The Rep for Austin, TX (Fransisco Canseco) is a confirmed co-sponsor for the bill. I encourage you to write letters, explaining how you feel about this issue. It is important that we use the voice we have been given. Acts of violence silence others, so in the wake of them, if we want to show our love for victims, we have to speak out. There is always a time for silence, and there is always a time for your voice. I think this is the time for your voice.
Non-Austinites: Go here, and figure out who your district representative is. Write them. Use your voice!
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d112%3AHR003%3A%40%40%40P
I always always always want to be able to leave my ears open to conversation on matters as shocking as pro-life/pro-choice arguments, because I love people with a variety of views (and I certainly have my own), but I can't agree, even in the slightest, that we are in a place to re-define rape such that victims would get even less rights than they already have, after being violated. What we need is more protection for people who are attacked, not a new legislative definition. When I say I think we should enact change, I don't mean change like this.