Trahan Votes in Support of Groundbreaking Labor Bill to End Forced Arbitration for Sexual Assault and Harassment

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) voted to pass the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, bipartisan and bicameral legislation to end forced arbitration for sexual harassment and assault survivors.

"Every survivor of sexual harassment or abuse deserves the right to pursue their own path to legal justice. That's not possible when forced arbitration clauses are hidden in the lengthy contracts that Americans agree to every day," said Congresswoman Trahan. "These legal traps protect abusers by muzzling survivors. I'm proud to cast my vote in support of the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act to end this harmful practice and put power back into survivors' hands."

The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act will void forced arbitration agreements in any contract if a sexual assault or harassment claim is brought. For employment contracts, more than 60 million Americans would be impacted. That estimate grows exponentially when considering other contracts and terms and conditions where forced arbitration clauses are typically found, such as in nursing homes, property leases, ride-share apps, movers, handyman services, and more.

By voiding forced arbitration clauses in the case of sexual assault and harassment, survivors are provided the freedom to decide what legal path works best for them -- including bringing a claim in court, discussing their case publicly, or seeking another kind of legal remedy. It will eliminate institutional protection for harassers and abusers and give survivors the chance to pursue justice.

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