Uncategorized – Page 25

December 7, 2018 by admin

Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta Must Resign For Allowing Serial Child Molester Jeffrey Epstein To Escape Justice

Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

WASHINGTON — Jeffrey Epstein is a serial child molester who used his wealth, power and influence to escape serious penalties for his crimes. The charges brought against him could have resulted in Epstein spending the rest of his life in prison —but instead, he played “let’s make a deal” to subvert justice and escape punishment. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, who as U.S. Attorney in Miami cut the deal with Epstein, must resign.

Jeffrey Epstein plays by the same rulebook as Donald Trump, Les Moonves, Harvey Weinstein, Eric Schneiderman and other powerful men who have been revealed as serial abusers of women. Epstein’s scant 13-month stay in a county jail—where he was even allowed to spend twelve hours a day, six days a week, at his office—was made possible by a culture of powerful men enabling each other, while dismissing, excusing or demeaning the women and children they brutalize with physical and sexual violence.

But this toxic culture must end. We cannot allow our legal system to be hijacked by rich men and those who stand by idly while profiting from their abuses of power. Those in law enforcement, politics, and business who defend and protect these abusers are also complicit. They used their privilege to shred the law and make a mockery of justice. But the #MeToo movement is shining a light on their conduct, and that light must not fade.

Alexander Acosta, like Donald Trump, sees legal protections against sexual assault not as indestructible safeguards, but as flexible and even optional suggestions. Every day he remains in office makes a mockery of our system of justice that should protect underage girls from monsters like Jeffrey Epstein.

#EnoughIsEnough. Alexander Acosta must go.

Contact

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

June 9, 2018 by Florida NOW

Champion Gender Equality: Social Decency with Action

The Palm Beach County Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOWPBC) was created in 1972 by female professors at Florida Atlantic University to fight for equal pay and tenure.

This was also the year that Congress passed Title IX (prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools and providing women equal opportunities to participate in sports) and NOWPBC presented its first Susan B. Anthony Feminist of the Year Award to a 13-year-old athlete for her successful battle to play on an all-male Boca Raton sports team. Today, Susan Hamill is a law professor at the University of Alabama.

And yet, 45 years later, The Palm Beach Post reported in its front page article -“Gender equality? FAU gave feds false numbers, ranked near bottom” on May 18, that FAU submitted false data to the federal government. There are costly consequences. The Post revealed how most women receive no scholarship money, are discouraged from speaking out and find it necessary to work multiple jobs to cover increasing tuition and school fees while male athletes disproportionately received more scholarship dollars, thereby widening the gender gap.

It’s not the first time FAU tarnished its reputation by placing money above principle. In 2003, the university sponsored a naming rights competition for its new $70 million football stadium. It initially declared the for-profit private prison company, the GEO Group Inc., as the winner for its $6 million deal. Students and the community rose up in indignation, and GEO was dropped.

But now FAU has the opportunity to right this wrong and to be in compliance with the law of the land. This also presents a chance to make a statement for social justice. Indeed, now is the time for university leaders to do it.

ARLENE R. USTIN, DELRAY BEACH

Vice President of the National Organization for Women Palm Beach County.

June 9, 2018 by Florida NOW

Florida Feminist Legend Dies

It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the passing of an LGBT Legend & Icon Constance (“Connie”) Kurtz

Connie passed away on Sunday evening, May 27, 2018, in West Palm Beach.

Connie and her wife, Ruth Berman, were simply known as “Ruthie & Connie”. They were together for over 44 years. They first met in the late 1950’s. After 2 divorces, they became a couple in 1974.

In 1988, Ruthie & Connie sued the New York City Board of Education for “Same-Sex Healthcare Benefits”. As their case was being tried, they appeared on “The Phil Donahue Show”; coming-out-of-the-closet in front of millions of people watching T.V.

In 1996, they were victorious in their law suit.

In 2002, they portrayed themselves in the documentary film; “Ruthie & Connie: Every Room In The House”. Shown at film festivals the world over, the film won 6 “Best Documentary Film” Awards.

In 2016, the organization known as “Services & Advocacy For GLBT Elders” (SAGE), presented “The SAGE Pioneer Award” to Ruthie & Connie.

In 2017, Ruthie & Connie were presented “The Rusty Gordon Spirit of Excellence & Equality Award” at the annual TKJ Gala of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party.

Recently, Ruthie & Connie were named “HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERS” of The Rusty Gordon LGBTA Democratic Caucus of Palm Beach County.

Earlier this year, the PBC Chapter of ‘The National Organization For Women’ (PBC-NOW), presented Ruthie & Connie with: “The Rusty Gordon Human Rights Award”.

Ruthie & Connie were married on July, 26, 2011, in New York City.

Together with Ruthie, Connie was “The Ultimate Activist & Advocate” on behalf of the Women’s Movement (NOW), the LGBT Community, and the Democratic Party.

Connie was the former president of “The United Democratic Club of Century Village, West Palm Beach”.

The Legacy that Connie Kurtz leaves behind, speaks volumes, and Connie WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.