Weekly Justice Highlights

Empowering Girls:  Article 475 in Morocco's penal code allows a rapist to avoid prosecution and a long prison sentence by marrying his victim even if she is a minor.  16 year-old Amina Filali, raped, beaten and forced to wed her rapist, killed herself.  She saw it as her only escape. Individuals are invited to honor Amina's memory by urging the Moroccan Parliament to repeal this law.  (International action is available.)

In the Spirit of St. Vincent: U.S. citizens are invited to contact Senators (1.877.267.2485, NO charges) urging them to pass unemployment insurance extension without conditions AND reject the Ayotte and Coats amendments that would harm vulnerable children and working families.  Emails can be sent here.   

During Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the U.S., join U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking (USCSAHT) and take action on three important anti-trafficking bills that are currently moving through Congress at this site. (look to right of page in blue box)  

Promoting Peace:  Calls are urgently needed to U.S. Senators (1.855.68- NO-WAR, NO charges) urging them to publicly support President Obama's diplomacy with Iran and oppose the Menendez sanctions legislation (S. 1881) that would undermine negotiations. 

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade (TPP) Agreement is headed for Fast Track unless individuals raise voice in opposition.  If passed, it would give global corporations, including the tobacco industry, more power to strip public health and environmental safeguards. Additionally, fast tracking would allow free trade agreements to circumvent ordinary Congressional review, amendment and debate procedures.  Urge U.S. Representatives to oppose Fast Track legislation of the TPP by calling 1.855.686.6927 (NO charges) or 1.202.224.3121 (Charges apply) or by clicking here.    

Help protect families, farms and food by urging Congress and the Food Drug Administration to ensure Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) labeling on all food by clicking here.  

Urge President Obama to close Guantanamo, a symbol of torture and indefinite detention.   

The 50th Anniversary of the U.S. efforts to alleviate Poverty has brought forth many helpful reports and analyses.  The Coalition on Human Needs has compiled them in a new webpage that will continue to be updated. The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Pushes Back from the Brink is available for download.  

Kentucky:  Currently, there are about 243,842 people in Kentucky who are disenfranchised from civic engagement and voting because of a prior felony conviction.  Kentucky is one of only four states that disenfranchises folks permanently. The only recourse currently is the returning citizen to apply for a partial pardon from the Governor. Urge KY legislators (1.800.372.7181, NO charges) to restore voting rights to former felons.