A Joint Resolution designating April 28 of each year as “Denim Day” in the State of New Jersey.
Whereas, In Italy, the 1997 rape conviction of a man who forced himself on a young woman, by whom he was hired as a driving instructor, was overturned by the Italian Supreme Court; and
Whereas, A statement released by the Head Judge in the appeal argued, “Because the victim wore very, very tight jeans, she had to help him remove them…and by removing the jeans…it was no longer rape but consensual sex;” and
Whereas, Women worldwide were enraged by the verdict, and have since protested by wearing jeans; and
Whereas, Sexual assault or rape is a sexual act of forced penetration; and
Whereas, Complying out of fear or in response to threats is not consent; and
Whereas, Every two minutes someone in America is sexually assaulted; and
Whereas, Survivors deserve support and assistance, not shame and blame; and
Whereas, Forty-six percent of eighth and ninth graders think being raped is sometimes the victim’s fault, and 33 percent felt they would not be arrested if they forced sex on someone; and
Whereas, Thirty-five percent of college men who voluntarily participated in psychological research conducted at several universities indicated they might commit a rape if they knew they could get away with it; and
Whereas, In three out of four incidents of sexual assault, the offender was not a stranger; and
Whereas, “Denim Day” and wearing jeans in April has become an international symbol of protest against harmful attitudes about rape; and
Whereas, Participating in “Denim Day” invites public discourse on the topic of sexual assault and rape, makes it possible for more survivors to reach out and find help, and advances the prevention of such crimes through education; and
Whereas, It is fitting and proper that the State recognize April 28 of each year as “Denim Day,” to promote rape awareness; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
C.36:2-151 “Denim Day,” April 28; designated.
1. April 28 of each year shall be designated “Denim Day,” to promote rape awareness throughout this State.
C.36:2-152 Annual observance.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing April 28 as “Denim Day” in New Jersey and calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
Approved January 16, 2010.