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Representative Peterson's (MN CD07) recent co-sponsorship of the No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion Act would set a new standard for what would qualify as rape under federal law. According to the bill in its current form, only “forcible rape” would meet this new standard, leaving out any woman who is drugged, a child who is a victim of statutory rape, and other date rape scenarios.
Rape is already a grossly underreported crime. According to the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), approximately 60% of victims never report assaults to the police. We fear that legislation like this would drive that number even higher, making it much more difficult to support and counsel victims.
The platform of the DFL party, to which Rep. Peterson belongs, states: “We recognize that when the rights of any citizen are threatened, the rights of all are endangered.” It also states that your party supports “protection of victims of crime through the mandatory arrest of domestic abusers and mandatory sentences for convicted rapists, as well as government-funded programs to house, treat, counsel and educate victims of abuse, rape or other violence as well as protection of children exposed to abuse or violence, with stiff penalties for child abusers.”
The women of Minnesota's Congressional District 7 need to let Rep. Peterson know that he must take women's civil rights and personal safety seriously. Please show your commitment by signing this letter asking for Peterson's withdrawal of his sponsorship of the No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion Act.
Rep. Peterson: Realize That All Rape Is Rape
Dear Representative Peterson,
As constituents of Minnesota's 7th Congressional District, we request that you withdraw your support for the No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion Act immediately. We look to you to be our voice in Congress. While we may not agree on every issue that comes before the House of Representatves, we want to be able to trust that you have our civil rights on your mind when you agree to co-sponsor important federal legislation. Unfortunately, your recent co-sponsorship of this bill that would set a new standard for what would qualify as rape under federal law.
According to the bill in its current form, only “forcible rape” would meet this new standard, leaving out any woman who is drugged, a child who is a victim of statutory rape, and other date rape scenarios. Rape is already a grossly underreported crime. According to the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), approximately 60% of victims never report assaults to the police. We fear that legislation like this would drive that number even higher, making it much more difficult to support and counsel victims.
The platform of the DFL party states: “We recognize that when the rights of any citizen are threatened, the rights of all are endangered.” It also states that the party supports “protection of victims of crime through the mandatory arrest of domestic abusers and mandatory sentences for convicted rapists, as well as government-funded programs to house, treat, counsel and educate victims of abuse, rape or other violence as well as protection of children exposed to abuse or violence, with stiff penalties for child abusers.”
Women in your district need to know that you take their civil rights and personal safety seriously. Show your commitment by withdrawing your sponsorship of this bill.
Sincerely,
the undersigned
[Your name]