Webs of Woven Words, Threads, Stitches and Enchantments

Monday, February 7, 2011

Redefining Rape?

I was informed of this by Z Budapest on Facebook. It is appalling to think there are those in congress who wish to redefine rape.  



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 in the realm of federal funding for reproductive health care.
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.



Click on this link to show your opposition:  
http://pol.moveon.org/smithbill/?rc=fb.share.smithbill.1.2.taf.alt.fb.ads.ck.sb.JK.aut2.a1


Go here to read about the bill and the removal of the forcible rape provision of the bill. 
http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/01/republican-plan-redefine-rape-abortion


If Chris Smith were to succeed with his agenda, it means a man could drug a woman, rape her and not face rape charges. All of this to limit Medicaid  paying for abortions in the cases of rape and incest. A sneaky Chris Smith attempting to limit women's right to choose. Does he have daughters? What is he thinking?


Whatever your opinion about abortion, this is NOT about abortion. Redefining rape harms ALL women and takes us back to a time when women who were raped were repeatedly raped again and again by police and the justice system. Rape is not about sex, it is about power over. Chris Smith seems to want power over women - what does that mean to you?


Blessings nine!

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