Protesters Deliver Poster With Definition Of Sexual Assault To Trumps Attorney General Pick

Rape and sexual assault survivors protested outside the office of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) on Monday, contending that President-elect Donald Trump ’s choice for attorney general can’t be trusted to enforce the law when women’s rights are violated. 

Women’s groups have roundly criticized Sessions for saying he didn’t think Trump’s comments about grabbing women by their genitals  without consent described an act of sexual assault , and for voting against the Violence Against Women Act in 2013. 

“We do not trust Sen. Jeff Sessions to tackle the epidemic of rape,” said Sophie, a sexual assault survivor who identified herself by her first name only. “If Jeff Sessions doesn’t know the definition of sexual assault, he should withdraw his name from nomination.” 

The group delivered a poster with the Department of Justice’s definition of sexual assault printed on it. 

UltraViolet, a national women’s advocacy group, organized the protest. More than 100,000 people have signed a petition from UltraViolet  urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject Sessions’ appointment.

The National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence also opposes Sessions’ candidacy. The national coalition of organizations working to end domestic violence and sexual assault released an open letter last week, stating that the senator’s record suggests he won’t fairly enforce the law when it comes to historically marginalized groups.