The firehose of negative news that we awaken to every morning–the “flooding the zone with shit” tactic adopted by this administration–has buried news of a maddening recent vote cast by the United States at the United Nations.
The United States was the only country to oppose adoption of “agreed conclusions” of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). It was the first time in 70 years that the usual consensus was broken.
As Health Policy Watch reported, the U.S. had proposed eight amendments to the text– amendments that would have removed “controversial social issues” from the document, including “ambiguous language promoting gender ideology”, “vague, unqualified commitments to sexual and reproductive health that can be interpreted as implying abortion rights”, and “censorship language on regulating artificial intelligence.”
More specifically, the U.S. objections centered on language promoting universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, and language about that “woke” recognition of diversity, inclusion and intersectionality, which the U.S. dismisses as “gender ideology.” The U.S. also opposed language referencing the effects of climate change on women, the regulation of artificial intelligence, and inclusive definitions of gender.
The U.N. Commission on the Status of Women was established in 1946; it is the main global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality–to the rights and empowerment of women. In prior years, the annual “agreed conclusions” have been routinely adopted.
This year’s theme was “ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls,” a goal to be achieved by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices, as well as structural barriers to justice–to “seek to create justice systems that work for everyone equally.”
Evidently, that goal was a non-starter for the defenders of “Christian” patriarchy who currently control the U.S. government. As a co-convenor of the Young Feminists’ Caucus told a media briefing on Tuesday, “The decision to break consensus and proceed to a vote underscores how deeply contested commitments to gender equality, human rights and access to justice remain in this current geopolitical moment.”
Language in the official “explanation” of the unprecedented vote was revealing and offensive: “We will always protect women and girls from dangerous radical gender ideology and reaffirm biological truth.”
It is the policy of the United States to recognize two biological sexes, male and female. To achieve this, we use clear and accurate language that recognizes women are biologically female and men are biologically male. Sex is not interchangeable, rather it is irreplaceable. The differences between male and female should be celebrated, appreciated, and respected…
There has unequivocally never been an international commitment on “sexual and reproductive health and rights,” and we strongly oppose the use of this terminology. The Trump Administration is committed to supporting families, promoting women’s health, and protecting children at all stages of life and reaffirms there is no international right to abortion.
The Commission on the Status of Women’s latest session was the most contested ever. For the first time, its outcomes were put to a vote, with the USA voting against. The US government also tried to push through amendments targeting reproductive health and a resolution that would have imposed a highly restrictive definition of gender. The Trump administration has eliminated US$60 billion in foreign aid, withdrawn from UN Women and helped set in motion a proposal to merge UN Women with the UN Population Fund. Over 4,600 civil society delegates at the meeting held firm, but the human rights commitments they defend are under rising threat.
The United States withdrawal from UN Women and its executive board cited opposition to ‘gender ideology’ and the “promotion” of abortion, a clear echo of the far-Right ideologies of MAGA and Project 2025. The assault on gender equality is part of the administration’s broader campaign against international recognition of human rights– ending funding for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and attempting to dismantle global support for sexual and reproductive health rights.
At the Munich Security Conference in February, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defined western civilisation as bound together by Christian faith, shared ancestry and cultural heritage, an ideological approach that treats women’s equality, reproductive rights and LGBTQI+ rights not as human rights but as ideological impositions to be rejected.
The termination of USAID shut down global clinics, and discontinued distribution of HIV medications and contraceptives. The US has also reinstated its global gag rule, blocking US funding to any organisation providing abortion services, referrals or counselling.
We cannot allow information about these unremitting attacks on women’s autonomy and human rights to be buried in the “flood of shit” that is the Trump administration.
The flood of shit is the Trump administration itself. This latest ideological attack on women comes from the tortured, insecure and psychotic minds of the P-2025 idiots. Did anyone read/hear that stage-pacing diatribe by Hegseth the other day? Yeah. It’s who and what they are.
When will somebody or something take these monsters out of power in order to save civilization from total ruin?
The U.S. governing(?) bodies of Congress are now officially on vacation till after the November 3rd election; where will they be and what will they be doing…WILL they be doing anything but vacationing till they know whether to keep fighting or roll over and hope for a belly-scratch? The only obvious actions in government are Trump’s and Hegseth’s always running mouths in 3rd gear and the return of America’s return to action of governing immigrant Elon Musk. All are anti-women for other than their primary uses of and keeping their home-fires burning to allow their full media coverage ad nauseum.
“We cannot allow information about these unremitting attacks on women’s autonomy and human rights to be buried in the “flood of shit” that is the Trump administration.” We (women) have been advised for decades regarding their rape (in its many forms) “to just lay back and enjoy it.”
The only issue other than attacks on women which may raise new questions is regarding Trump’s idiotic comment that “…only an Hispanic could survive a fall from the roof of the Gold Ballroom….”????
Hegseth’s most recent diatribe and announcement of HIS changes to our U.S. Military may reap more attention from our allies and enemies alike. It is already well known he is removing all women and questionable males from serving, as fast as the paperwork can be signed and acted on, as wars continue, escalate and expand to other nations.
Here in Indiana Gov. Braun has again extended his no state tax on gas; we can expect that tax to return in full on November 4th, win or lose.
Just one more atavistic consequence from electing a convicted sexual predator as president allowing him to become the primary policy maker in our country and apparently the world. No respecter of women or gender or the worldwide implications of his actions.
The flood of shit says what we need to know about those who oppose us.
America First, will end with America Alone and Last!
THINK,
VOTE!!!!!!
Trump is the sadist in chief with many followers. They delight in causing pain and always seek more power so they can cause more pain. Unless you are a masochist, this is not in your best interests.
RESIST
VOTE BLUE ASAP
Thanks, Vernon, for alluding to the insane diatribe by Sec. of “War” Hegseth the other day, in which he regaled a largely silent audience who were forced to be present – no cheers, no applause, just toleration – with insults for the senior officers whom he’s fired and for his angry comments about the “beardos and wierdos” who are destroying the US.
He has no idea who he’s talking about or whom he’s talking to. 65% of males in the US and over 75% of young males happen to be wearing some kind of facial hair these days – Many of them MAGA members, who drive diesel trucks and diesel farm and industrial equipment, who can no longer afford to buy the fuel that they use to bring in their declining income.
This administration is not only criminal and immoral, it’s also ignorant about who supports them and why. They are punishing their own supporters economically and morally. Do those supporters even understand that? It appears that the truth has been slowly dawning on SOME of them just recently.
As an old, white male I am embarrassed that my government is being run by men who want to return to governing in the 18th century. Pre-MAGA we were viewed as leaning conservative. Now the MAGA movement would make us Puritans again. Embarrassing and disgusting.
How insecure some men must be to systemically want to control and dominate women so they can feed their false/contrived ideas of who they are. Putting effort into holding women back from making better/ healthier lives for themselves Is obstruction of progress and is unjust. Women have inherent rights to be unabused in their lives and to go as far as their effort and talents can take them. Those authoritarian narrow-minded men especially in government, need to find better projects to work on that improves life for everyone. Passing ERA would help to advance women’s rights and causes.