ANDOVER (MA)
Your Dracut Today
September 3, 2018
By Theresa Gilman
(Editor’s Note: the following information was provided by Barbara L’Italien for Congress.)
Key Planks:
Holding Powerful Leaders like President Trump, Justice Thomas Accountable
Cracking Down on Retaliation Against Victims
A National Reckoning With Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church
Clearing the Rape Kit Backlog
State senator and congressional candidate Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover), an outspoken supporter for survivors of sexual assault, has become the first candidate in the Third Congressional District race to outline a broad-based, detailed plan of action to hold more perpetrators of sexual misconduct culpable. L’Italien is committing to pursue a combination of systemic policy change and direct action to address past crimes.
Among the key planks of her platform is ending the culture of impunity at the highest levels of government. Senator L’Italien will request and advocate for a congressional hearing into the allegations of sexual misconduct against President Trump, giving the women he targeted the opportunity to share their stories under oath. She will also file an impeachment resolution against Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas for committing perjury in the face of Anita Hill’s accusations of sexual harassment, and work to build support for it among her colleagues.
“There is an elephant in the room for Congress in the #MeToo era. Our leaders have to start talking about it. Two of the most powerful men in the country have been credibly accused of sexual crimes and gotten away with it. If we’re serious about changing things, that can’t stand unchallenged,” L’Italien said. “Laws cracking down on sexual assault have to be signed by a president who multiple women say assaulted them. Regulations to stop sexual harassment can be struck down by a Supreme Court justice who lied under oath to counter allegations of sexual harassment. Why would victims think a government like that is looking out for them?”
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