Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt

WASHINGTON – The truth is finally catching up to R. Kelly, whose music career has become a criminal enterprise centered around the exploitation and abuse of young black girls. He must be brought to justice, now.

After the Lifetime documentary Surviving R. Kelly detailed the singer’s decades-long pattern of sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual exploitation of underage black girls, R. Kelly finally lost his record deal, had concerts canceled and saw his music removed from radio station playlists.

But economic consequences aren’t enough for years of amoral, illegal and thoroughly evil behavior – R. Kelly must pay for his crimes.

It’s been reported that a grand jury has been convened in Cook County, Illinois following new allegations, including a 42-minute tape submitted by attorney Michael Avenatti that he says shows Kelly engaging in sex acts with an underage girl. The grand jury must finish its work.

We’ve already seen more than enough evidence. Indict R. Kelly, now. Bring him to trial.  Hold him accountable. Without delay.

Enough is enough.

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NOW Press, press@now.org 202-628-8669

Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

WASHINGTON –  The National Organization for Women (NOW)  has traditionally celebrated Susan B. Anthony’s birthday (February 15, 1820) instead of President’s Day in honor of this advocate of equal rights – including women’s right to vote. Anthony, who was actually arrested for attempting to vote, would be thrilled and probably astounded to learn that on her 199th birthday, there is a record number of women who have already declared their candidacy for president of the United States.  

NOW is delighted to have endorsed five of the major female candidates in past elections (Gillibrand, Harris, Klobuchar, Gabbard, and Warren), and all of them have proudly identified themselves as feminists. While throughout history, we have had lone feminist female candidates run- including Shirley Chisholm, Victoria Woodhull, Carol Moseley Braun, and Hillary Clinton – this year,  presidential politics has finally opened up to include multiple women running for the highest office in the land.

The feminist female candidates of 2019 are breaking barriers and making history, just like those who came before them. On this President’s Day, we celebrate HERstory and appreciate the legacy of Susan B. Anthony.

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NOW Press, press@now.org, 202-628-8669

Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

WASHINGTON – For years, the Catholic Church hierarchy has proven it has no moral authority on issues concerning women. This week, Pope Francis publicly acknowledged for the first time a chronic history of sexual abuse by priests and bishops of nuns, who had been forced to have abortions or give birth to children of these men. In his response, he claimed that the Church has a will to “do something more.”

So do more. Actions speak louder than words.  Stop objectifying children and women, treating them as second class parishioners, concubines, or indentured acolytes who are available to service predatory men in your church.

Abuse in the Church has been a well-known issue for decades. Some believe sexual abuse of nuns dates back centuries, and in the 1990s, members of religious orders prepared private reports about this abuse for top Vatican officials that went nowhere.

Stop protecting abusive priests,  open the gates of secrecy and adopt real reforms – starting with independent oversight that includes laypersons and leaders of the various orders of Catholic Sisters as part of the process.

Pope Francis needs to do more than improvising an answer about sexual abuse of nuns while standing aboard an airplane.  He must punish offenders, support the families and survivors of this heinous abuse, and protect them from retribution for coming forward.

The Catholic Church must make these changes swiftly and immediately – they are hundreds of years overdue.

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NOW Press, press@now.org, 202-628-8669