LANSING — Today, Governor Whitmer signed into law a package of bills to prevent the kind of sexual assault perpetrated by former Michigan State University athletics team physician Larry Nassar. This long overdue legislation will help prevent assault, protect children, and support survivors. We cannot ignore that while these bills passed by both chambers of the legislature with wide margins with bipartisan support, leaders in the Freedom Caucus still stood in opposition.
On this important occasion, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes released the following statement:
“Democrats are working to make Michigan a safer place for everyone, and this long overdue legislation is an essential step toward justice for those who have suffered abuse and to prevent this type of abuse in the future. We are so proud of our Democratic leadership in the legislature, and for Governor Whitmer’s efforts to champion this important package of bills.
Inexplicably, Republicans in the House Freedom Caucus voted against this necessary, commonsense legislation that will protect Michiganders. Despite the protests of these MAGA Republicans, Governor Whitmer’s signature will safeguard children’s health and wellbeing for generations.”
The packages requires comprehensive education on child abuse to help teachers, coaches, and parents better identify when abuse is happening. It also bans anyone from using their professional authority to stop someone from reporting sexual abuse.
The Freedom Caucus members who voted against protecting our children were: Reps. Andrew Beeler, Steve Carra, Neil Friske, Matt Maddock, and Josh Schriver.
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