Monthly Archives: June 2018

A Victory of Sorts: Allegheny County Police Will Stop Criminalizing Condoms

Posted on June 27, 2018 by womenslawproject

We recently told you that Allegheny County police were abusing their authority when making prostitution arrests by adding on a “possession of instruments of crime” charge if the alleged sex worker possessed condoms. Criminalizing condoms defies public health recommendations to … Continue reading →

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On Today’s U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Regarding “Crisis Pregnancy Centers”

Posted on June 26, 2018 by womenslawproject

In 2015, California passed the Reproductive FACT Act, requiring licensed “crisis pregnancy centers” that provide services such as pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to post information about affordable abortion and contraception services offered by the state. The second provision required unlicensed facilities … Continue reading →

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Full Opinion Issued in Boyertown Case Protecting Transgender Rights

Posted on June 21, 2018 by womenslawproject

We recently told you how thrilling it was to be at the federal courthouse to witness a landmark victory for transgender rights. In late May, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed a lower court’s ruling that upheld a … Continue reading →

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Five Ways to Fight Family Separation From Right Here in Pennsylvania

Posted on June 19, 2018 by womenslawproject

“On the afternoon of their second day in detention, two male agents entered the cell. “They didn’t say anything,” Rivera told me. “They just walked over and grabbed Jairo. It felt like my son was stuck to me. He clung … Continue reading →

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More Studies on Sexual Harassment in PA are Welcome, But Shouldn’t Delay Action

Posted on June 19, 2018 by womenslawproject

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives adopted two new resolutions to study and monitor sexual harassment in the workplace in Pennsylvania. The first resolution will establish a Task Force on Harassment and Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace. The taskforce will be … Continue reading →

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Allegheny County Police are Arresting Sex Workers for Possessing Condoms

Posted on June 18, 2018 by womenslawproject

Pennsylvania law classifies possessing an instrument of crime as a misdemeanor. “Instrument of crime” generally refers to carrying a concealed firearm or other weapon with the intention to employ said weapon for criminal purposes. It also applies to unlawful body … Continue reading →

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WLP Testified in Opposition to HB 861, Preemption of Local Labor Protections

Posted on June 13, 2018 by womenslawproject

Today, WLP Staff Attorney Amal M. Bass testified in opposition to House Bill 861 (preemption of local laws protecting workers) before the Pennsylvania House Labor & Industry Committee. The Women’s Law Project strongly opposes HB 861, which is sponsored by … Continue reading →

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Action Alert: Tell Your State Rep to Reject Rep. Turzai’s Attempt to Sabotage Help for Sexually Exploited Children  

Posted on June 12, 2018 by womenslawproject

As reported yesterday, Speaker of the House Mike Turzai is willing to sink a “safe harbor” bill designed to decriminalize and assist sexually exploited children just so he can use the Legislature to once again express his personal disapproval of … Continue reading →

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Fighting the Criminalization of Pregnancy in Pennsylvania

Posted on June 8, 2018 by womenslawproject

Relentless attacks on reproductive rights are colliding with the opioid epidemic in ways that seriously threaten both civil rights and public health. Attorneys at the Women’s Law Project just authored and filed an amicus (“friend-of-the-court”) brief in Commonwealth v. Dischman, a case … Continue reading →

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June at the Women’s Law Project

Posted on June 7, 2018 by womenslawproject

We took a short break from sending a monthly newsletter, but now we’re back. There’s a lot going on, and we want to make sure you have every opportunity to stay up to date on our work and what’s happening … Continue reading →

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