FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 26, 2022
CONTACT: press@iava.org

New York, NY – Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) commends President Biden today on the signing of an executive order to make sexual harassment in the military a crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. 

IAVA has advocated to protect service members and the veteran community against all forms of harassment, since its establishment (see IAVA backed bills like the Deborah Sampson Act (H.R.2452), The Military Justice Improvement Act (S. 1789), and the I am Vanessa Guillen Act of 2020 (H.R.8270). 

“This order comes following key Congressional movement last month on how the military prosecutes major crimes, including rape and sexual assault,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO for IAVA, “We, at IAVA, fully support this law, which we believe will go on to strengthen the military’s overall response to instances of sexual harassment.”

Additionally, the executive order addresses a long conflict of interest in these cases, removing commanders and military leaders from prosecution decisions and requiring each branch to establish its own independent Office of Special Trial, to handle each case.

“Such swift and exhaustive action is important to begin protecting servicemembers that still face sexual harassment within the Department of Defense,” said Travis Horr, Senior Director, Government Affairs for IAVA, “With the signing of this executive order, we can now rely on an independent process for accountability.”

IAVA will continue to advocate on behalf of our country’s loyal servicemembers for key legislation that betters their experience, both in active duty and as veterans of our country’s military.

IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 425,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.

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