(Washington, DC) – Today, the co-chairs of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence applauded the passage of H.R. 2052, the PRIVATE Act.
The Task Force co-chairs, Representatives Annie Kuster (D-NH), Patrick Meehan (R-PA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), and David Joyce (R-OH), were proud to support the legislation which amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice to prohibit non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
The PRIVATE Act, introduced by Reps. McSally & Speier and cosponsored by Reps. Kuster and Meehan, was a congressional response to ongoing reports of sexual harassment and dishonorable conduct brought to light by the “Marines United” Facebook group.
“As the cofounders of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, we understand the challenges that the culture of sexual violence poses in our nation,”the memberssaid in a statement.
“Unfortunately, and as we know from recent disturbing news reports, the issue of sexual violence and sexual harassment extends to our Armed Forces. The behavior displayed by participants on the Marines United Facebook page is not only morally repugnant, but jeopardizes our national security and the safety of female veterans and Marines.
“The PRIVATE Act will ensure that the non-consensual sharing of intimate images we saw in Marines United is strictly prohibited. The Task Force continues to support ongoing efforts within the Armed Forces to eliminate sexual violence. We applaud the House for passing this legislation, and urge the Senate to quickly send it to President Trump for his signature.”