Senate passed bipartisan legislation ending the use of forced arbitration to resolve disputes
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema supported passage of the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, legislation empowering victims of workplace sexual harassment by ending the use of forced arbitration to resolve disputes.
“Survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment who want to speak out and seek justice are too often silenced. Today’s bill passage protects and empowers victims, and holds abusers accountable in a court of law — I’m glad to see it move forward with bipartisan support and become law,” said Sinema.
Last Congress, Sinema introduced the Stop Silencing Victims Act that limits the enforceability of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that would prohibit victims of sexual assault and harassment in the public sector from speaking out. The bill would ensure public sector workers are not bound to silence—and cannot be retaliated against—if they decide at a later time to come forward.
In the U.S. House, Sinema cosponsored legislation to hold Members of Congress personally responsible for sexual misconduct. Her legislation required members of Congress to repay the Treasury for any taxpayer money spent on sexual misconduct settlements within 90 days and protected employees by providing immediate access to a dedicated advocate who could provide legal counsel and services.