Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Women in Congress to wear all black to Trump’s State of the Union

The display follows after women wore all black at the Golden Globes in Hollywood to protest sexual violence

Clark Mindock
New YOrk
Wednesday 10 January 2018 14:29 EST
Comments
Ms Speier spearheaded the #MeToo movement in Congress
Ms Speier spearheaded the #MeToo movement in Congress

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Hot on the black heels of women at the Golden Globes, women in Congress are planning their own protest of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace.

During President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union later this month, a group of women Democrats are planning on wearing all black in solidarity with victims of sexual harassment — just as those actresses did in Hollywood.

It is unclear how many women will join the silent protest, which is likely to draw attention to the numerous accusations of sexual misconduct that have been levied against Mr Trump himself.

The President has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and the White House has indicated that its official position on Mr Trump’s accusers it that they are lying.

“This is a culture change that is sweeping the country, and Congress is embracing it,” Representative Jackie Speier — the politician who spearheaded Congress’ own #MeToo movement — said on CNN.

Ms Speier’s office said that she and other members of the House Democratic Women’s Working group are inviting others — both men and women, Democrat and Republican — to dress black at the speech.

The wave of allegations of sexual misconduct have already resulted in resignations from members of Congress, and have sparked debates about the unique rules that Congress has established for itself when it comes to sexual harassment or assault charges.

The the coordinated black outfits at Mr Trump’s first State of the Union won’t be the first time that women in Congress come together to protest the President during a speech of his to a join tweeting of the House and Senate.

They did so last year as well, when they wore white clothing they referred to as “suffragette white”, in a nod to the women’s rights movement early last century when women joined forces to wear white as representation of purity.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in