Statement of NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

Rep. Frederica Wilson spoke out against Donald Trump. At the National Organization for Women, we are proud to raise our voices in support of her.

After Donald Trump’s callous phone call to Myeshia Johnson, the pregnant widow of fallen soldier Sgt. La David Johnson, Rep. Wilson publicly decried Trump’s offensive remarks. The congresswoman demonstrated fierce courage in speaking out; but her bravery has been met with threats and abuse from misogynistic individuals.

Rep. Wilson has been forced to miss votes in Washington, D.C. due to these threats–sharply emphasizing how sexism damages our democracy.

But Rep. Wilson’s story is about more than a few missed votes. The vicious backlash against the congresswoman is symptomatic of a larger problem that women face. Countless women, especially women of color, are living their own version of Wilson’s story–where they are silenced, shamed, and told by men that they don’t belong.

To the woman who are pushed aside by misogynists: keep pushing back. You belong here. And Rep. Wilson belongs in Congress. NOW is proud to support the congresswoman during this challenging time–along with women everywhere speaking truth to power.

Contact
M.E. Ficarra, press@now.org, 951-547-1241