Press Release: House of Representatives passes historic legislation to protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment, spearheaded by Gretchen Carlson
For Immediate Release: February 7, 2022
Media Contact: JON CARVALHO
PRESS RELEASE:
House of Representatives passes historic legislation to protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment, spearheaded by Gretchen Carlson
WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, February 7, 2022, the House of Representatives voted 335-97 to pass the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2021 (H.R. 4445), a bipartisan bill that would protect survivors and workers across the country. Sponsored by Representatives Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Ken Buck (R-CO), the bill would eliminate the use of forced arbitration clauses to prohibit survivors of sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace from speaking freely and protecting others.
The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Harassment Act of 2021 was passed with support from both sides of the aisle after advancing from the House Judiciary Committee in November. The bipartisan bill is championed by journalist and advocate, Gretchen Carlson, who has spent five years spearheading the legislation on behalf of survivors. Following her lawsuit against former Fox News Chairman, Roger Ailes, Carlson co-founded the non-profit organization, Lift Our Voices, to eliminate the harmful use of nondisclosure agreements and forced arbitration clauses in employment contracts.
“Ending the use of forced arbitration for sexual harassment and assault will create safer work environments and protect millions of people. After today’s vote, we’re one step closer to this historic bipartisan bill becoming law,” said Gretchen Carlson, Co-founder of Lift Our Voices. “Everyone deserves the right to be heard, to have choices, and to be free from mechanisms that silence their voices. I am grateful for the work of our house co-sponsors, led by Representatives Bustos, Griffith, Jayapal, Cicilline, and Buck, for their support of this bill in the House on behalf of survivors. We look forward to continuing to work with members of the Senate to make this bipartisan bill law.”
“We’ve heard a flood of stories of sexual assault and harassment that has gone unchecked for far too long. But little-known legal agreements hidden in all sorts of places have continued to bar millions of Americans from speaking out or seeking justice. From employment paperwork and lease agreements to the terms and conditions for apps and services, the majority of Americans have unknowingly signed their rights away,” Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) said. “Nullifying these ‘forced arbitration’ clauses for sexual assault and harassment claims will let survivors’ voices be heard. The legislation we passed on the House Floor today will do away with these predatory pitfalls – and I’m proud to say that it has widespread support among Democrats and Republicans and in the House and Senate. I want to thank the leaders who have championed this important legislation and negotiated in good faith to get us where we are today. Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Morgan Griffith, Ken Buck and David Cicilline, Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, Lindsay Graham and Dick Durbin and advocates like former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson have been instrumental to this bill passing the House.”
“H.R. 4445 puts the power to choose into the hands of survivors of rape and sexual harassment,” stated Congressman Ken Buck (R-CO). “This legislation not only gives survivors the freedom to choose the best legal path to vindicate their rights, it also puts employers on notice that these crimes will no longer be ignored. I am grateful for the brave leadership of Lift Our Voices co-founder Gretchen Carlson to share her story and bring this timely bill to the attention of Congress.”
ABOUT LOV
Lift Our Voices was launched in December 2019 to create positive, systemic change in American workplaces through the eradication of nondisclosure agreements for toxic work issues and mandatory arbitration clauses. Created and launched by Gretchen Carlson and Julie Roginsky, and Diana Falzone, LOV’s mission is to protect American workers by giving those in toxic work environments the freedom to speak freely about their workplace experiences and free them from the laws and business practices that prevent employees from publicly discussing toxic workplace conditions.