RedGage

I just heard about a horrible GOP bill that could redefine rape and

set women's rights back by decades.

Here's the deal: 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 bill, introduced by Republican congressman Chris Smith, 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. This bill is scary - so I signed a petition

telling Congress to stand up and oppose the bill. Can you join me at the

link below?

http://pol.moveon.org/smithbill/?r_by=-17921027-8iKV8lx&rc=mailto

I received an email from MoveOn.org yesterday stating that they had received over 360,000 signatures on this petition in the first day! They are well on the way to getting 750,000 signatures. When they do, they plan to hand-deliver all the signatures during an upcoming hearing on the bill -- right in front of the news media and their cameras. Please help them reach or surpass this goal!

When you sign the petition, you will have the opportunity to add a message which will be sent to your senators and representative. Here's the message that I added:

I'm appalled that my government would dare to further abuse women who have been sexually assaulted. Not all women are able to fight back in a manner that would meet a narrow definition of "forcible". 

Underage girls are no less victims of rape because they don't fight back. They are too young to give legal consent. Disabled women are no less victims because they were physically unable to fight back. Women under the influence of "date rape" drugs are no less victims because they have been incapacitated and are unable to fight back. Women who make the hard choice to acquiesce to rape in order to prevent violence to their loved ones are no less victims for not fighting back. Women who acquiesce because they fear for their lives if they don't are no less victims for not fighting back.

If you pass this redefinition of rape, I will fight back. My voice will not be silenced. You may not break bones or cause bruising, but you will have emotionally raped all women by this action. We will fight back when you run for reelection. Make no mistake about this!

Please join me in signing this petition and standing up for our rights and the rights of all the girls and women in our lives. Thank you.