Supporting the designation of April 29, 2026, as "Denim Day" and honoring survivors of sexual assault.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1231
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-15T20:40:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1231) supports designating April 29, 2026, as "Denim Day"—an annual event during Sexual Assault Awareness Month—to raise awareness about sexual assault, combat victim-blaming (unfairly blaming victims for the crime), and honor survivors' strength and resilience.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes extensive background "Whereas" clauses highlighting:
- Origins of Denim Day: Started in 1999 after an Italian court overturned a rape conviction due to the victim's clothing, leading to protests wearing denim as a symbol against myths that clothing implies consent.
- Statistics on sexual assault prevalence, impacts (e.g., high rates among women, men, children, college students, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and communities of color like Black and Indigenous women), underreporting, low conviction rates, and lifelong costs to survivors (e.g., medical, mental health, productivity losses).
- Role of Peace Over Violence, a Los Angeles-based organization providing services since 1971.
The core "Resolved" section commits the House to:
- Supporting Denim Day's goals to fight victim-blaming.
- Honoring survivors and affirming their right to live free from violence.
- Expressing solidarity and supporting access to trauma-informed services (services sensitive to survivors' emotional needs), including medical, mental health, legal, and advocacy help.
- Reaffirming that clothing or behavior never equals consent.
- Improving reporting, investigation, and prosecution of cases with survivor-centered approaches.
- Addressing disparities for vulnerable groups (e.g., youth, people of color, Indigenous communities, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ people).
- Urging governments to strengthen prevention policies, funding, and programs.
- Promoting collaboration among policymakers, advocates, law enforcement, and communities.
- Allowing House members to wear denim on the floor that day.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's views and recommendations. It does not amend laws, create mandates, or allocate funds.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and awareness-raising: Encourages public wearing of denim as a protest symbol, potentially increasing education and dialogue on sexual violence prevention and survivor support.
- On citizens: Empowers survivors, reduces stigma, and highlights needs for better services; may indirectly boost community efforts during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
- On government agencies: Calls (but does not require) federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to enhance policies and funding; urges House Rules Committee action on dress code waiver.
- No direct international impact, though it references Denim Day's global movement.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Survivors and families: Directly honored and supported through solidarity and service advocacy.
- Advocacy organizations: E.g., Peace Over Violence, which leads Denim Day.
- Vulnerable populations: Women, men, children, teens, college students, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and communities of color/Indigenous groups facing higher risks.
- Government entities: Congress (especially Judiciary and Rules Committees), law enforcement, and all levels of government for policy/collaboration calls.
- Communities and public: Encouraged to participate in awareness efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No enforceable effects; purely expressive under House rules for resolutions.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's free speech role; temporary House floor dress code waiver (if approved) is an internal procedural matter.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by Ms. Moore of Wisconsin and Mrs. Dingell) for sexual violence issues, reinforces anti-victim-blaming norms, and promotes accountability without controversy; referred to Judiciary and Rules Committees for review.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-29: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-29: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of April 29, 2026, as "Denim Day" and honoring survivors of sexual assault. — issued 2026-04-29 — PDF (6 pages)