Action Alert: Urge Governor Paterson to Sign the Anti-Shackling Bill NOW!

Thanks to Marcia Pappas, NOW-NYS president, for researching this and sending us the info.

 

Sincerely,

Jerin Alam

National NOW Young Feminist Task Force

National Organization for Women (NOW)

Urge Governor Paterson to Sign the Anti-Shackling Bill NOW! Call or Email Governor Paterson. Urge him to Sign S.1290-A.3373-A Take Action! Shackling Women Prisoners in Labor is not Acceptable Practice   We have just heard from our coalition partners that the Anti-Shackling Bill is on the Governor's desk, ready to be signed. He needs to hear from you!   This is a critical time to voice your support of the Anti-Shackling Bill S.1290-A/A.3373-A which prevents incarcerated women in labor from being shackled. The Governor is delaying action on the bill so that he has "more time to hear from the advocates" and opponents who are unrealistically claiming that incarcerated women in labor are a flight risk, posing risk of escape. We need to make sure the Governor learns the truth and understands there is widespread public support for this bill. If you want to call the Governor, at 518-474-8390, we have provided talking points in a letter. Click on Take Action link above to see talking points. You can also send email the Governor by clicking on the Take Action link above. Talking points have been provided to us by the Women in Prison Project, July 2009. Summary of bill: The Anti-Shackling Bill, S.1290-A/A.3373-A, forbids the use of restraints on incarcerated women during labor and post-delivery recovery, and restricts the use of restraints during transport to and from the hospital. This bill, sponsored by Assemblymember N. Nick Perry and Senator Velmanette Montgomery, passed overwhelmingly in the Assembly and unanimously in the Senate.