Background

On Tuesday, May 20th, a delegation of women met with Jason A. Smith, the Legislative Director and Chief Counsel for Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, to discuss several issues of concern to women. The delegation represented several organizations: Women’s Liberation Front as lead organization, and DIAG, WDI-USA, LGB Alliance USA, ROAR Women NYC, and PA 4 Sex-Based Rights.

The delegation referenced the known trend of men who, on the claim they are women, have been housed in women’s prisons, where they raped and assaulted female prisoners. The delegation also discussed the critical need for lesbian spaces and female-only rape crisis counseling centers, as well as the right for disabled females to request female-only carers.

Dr. Elizabeth Fedak, who was present representing ROAR Women NYC, reported: “Smith framed men claiming a female ‘gender identity’ to get access to women’s prisons as ‘the most ridiculous thing [he]’d ever heard—and [he]’d had people in there who believe in aliens.’ Well, Smith had better start watching the skies for UFOs, because male prisoners have already done this multiple times in Rikers alone.” 

One of the Pennyslvania residents in the meeting was a woman who unsuccessfully sought female-only rape crisis counseling after a sexual assault. Smith’s callousness was so disturbing that she left the meeting in tears.

As ROAR member Julia Hing put it, “I can’t stress enough how hostile and obnoxious Jason Smith was to us—all Democratic women including an actual rape survivor who was brave enough to share her own story. He also refused to consider that disabled women should have the right to request female carers. When we said women were leaving the party over this treatment, he said ‘Good. Leave. Go.’ Then he threw us out of [the meeting room].”

Hing went on to state: “All of us went into the meeting liking Fetterman and then left determined to support his next opponent. His aide actually told us he didn’t care that their stances were losing women and that so many were considering voting Republican! If I hadn’t been there, I would have a hard time believing he said this. But I was there and he did.”

Senator Fetterman needs to hear from us: Women are on the front lines fighting for our rights, facing threats and violence. Whose side are you on, Senator Fetterman? 

If you support women, you must publicly rebuke your aide’s statements and behavior. 

If you support him, you must say why and do so publicly. Women need to know where you stand.

We’re half the vote. And we’re not going away.

Take Action!

If you are a PA resident, you can send Senator Fetterman a message using this contact form. If you aren’t, scroll down for Senator Fetterman’s office phone numbers and addresses.

We’ve included a sample statement you can start with.  Be sure to share with your friends and relatives in Pennsylvania!

Sample Letter Text

I am [your constituent/a concerned voter] and a [lifelong Democrat/liberal/feminist]. On May 20, Jason A. Smith, your Legislative Director and Chief Counsel, met with a delegation of women representing various women’s organizations. The delegation presented their concerns regarding women’s rights and the essential nature of single-sex spaces, including women’s prisons, rape crisis counseling services, and single-sex carer services. Smith not only treated these concerns with disdain and derision, but also threw the delegation out of his office.

We need to know from you, Senator Fetterman: whose side are you on?  

If you support women, you must publicly rebuke Jason A. Smith’s statements and behavior and take appropriate disciplinary action. 

If you support Jason A. Smith’s statements and behavior, you need to say why publicly. 

Women need to know where you stand.