Massive protests in Washington6 Aug. 2006
Thousands of protesters poured into the streets of Washington today, to show their opposition to the new ‘FemEx’ law that some women’s rights organisations claim will lead to massive executions of young women. Under the slogan ‘March for Women’s Lives’ the protesters set up stands and arranged speeches in front of Congress to force them to revoke the new law.
Protesters gather in front of Congress
“I’m not against capital punishment, but men and women must be equal to the law.” Says protester Sandra Dennington, who has come all the way from Idaho to join the march. “I just don’t see that this is really necessary. Surely there must be another way of tackling the problem with the increasing crime among young American women?”
“That’s for sure! Harder punishment only addresses the symptoms, not the issues behind them.” Ulrikka Newman, another protester from New York, joins in. “Why do you think some women steal? Why do you think they become aggressive? There is so much pressure on young women today. Not only do they have to look great, find a good husband and have children, they also have to handle their careers and be able to take care of themselves. We have to change the way people think, not punish harder.”
Thousands 'March for Women's Lives'
These sentiments are shared by Ursula Gertrude, ardent opponent of FemEx and spokesperson for the FAA: “We have to deal with the core issues. Poverty and social marginalisation are important do deal with, but we also have to take hard look at how we see women in today’s society. Pornography and the feminine revolution have not resolved the problems of the traditional role of women. No, we are still expected to fulfil the traditional role, and then be sex kittens and career go-getters on top of that. It’s simply too many expectations for some young women to handle and that causes a lot of stress and aggressions. My message to the government is: Revoke FemEx, ban pornography and fight for real equality between the sexes. That is what this country needs!”
However, not everyone are outraged at the new law. A few hundred meters from the protesters, we found a smaller group demonstration their support for FemEx. “Just the other day, my twelve years old daughter was beaten up by a gang of older girls. They stole her jewellery, her sneakers and all of her money.” Tells Adam Smith, a pro-FemEx’er from Washington. “Some of our young women are out of control. It’s about time that somebody do something about it. That’s why I support FemEx!”
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