December, 12 2017, 11:45pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Mai Shiozaki, 202-628-8669, ext. 116; cell 202-641-1906
What Doug Jones' Victory Means For Women
“We Need To Speak With One Voice” Say Leaders
WASHINGTON
"The heads of three prominent groups that advocate for women said today that Doug Jones' victory in the Alabama Senate election will reverberate into the coming battles over tax cuts, abortion, birth control, health care, budget policy and entitlement spending--as well as the 2018 elections and women's equality," assert Toni Van Pelt, President of the National Organization for Women (NOW); Eleanor Smeal, Co-Founder and President of Feminist Majority; and Dr. E. Faye Williams, President and CEO of the National Congress of Black Women.
"Roy Moore may have lost this election--thanks to the principles and values of Alabama's women and minority voters--but the campaign proved that Republicans will support any predatory, compromise any value, betray any principle and break any commitment in order to pass their right-wing agenda" continues Van Pelt.
"The GOP tax cut will do enormous harm, and we now know that the Trump Administration is preparing to next target recipients of food stamps, Medicaid and housing benefits.
"As Doug Jones prepares to take his seat in the Senate, we need to speak with one voice and hold the Republicans to account as they push for policies that turn back the clock and put women at risk."
Eleanor Smeal, President of Feminist Majority, said, "Once again we see a huge gender gap with 17% more women voting for Jones than men. Turn out is everything, the amazing African American vote despite all obstacles and college students helped determine the outcome. The people of Alabama have spoken loud and clear: a grown man who preys on teenage girls is not a leader, he is a predator.
"Roy Moore wasn't the first racist, unqualified misogynist to run for office, and he likely won't be the last. But a clear message has been sent to the United States Congress, and the President of the United States: The American people are demanding a political and cultural change. Women and girls deserve to be heard and respected. We will not be silenced and we will not go back."
The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
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