WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) voted to pass bipartisan, bicameral legislation to end forced arbitration for sexual harassment and assault survivors nationwide.

The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act will void forced arbitration agreements in any contract if a sexual assault or harassment claim is brought forward. More than 60 million Americans are subject to these agreements in employment contracts and millions more are often unknowingly subject to these agreements as they use ride-share apps, sign leases, or go about other common activities. By voiding forced arbitration clauses in the case of sexual assault and harassment, survivors are provided the freedom to decide which legal path works best for them – that can include bringing a claim in court, discussing their case publicly or seeking another kind of legal remedy.

“Every survivor of sexual harassment and assault deserves their day in court. This vote will help make that a reality,” said Rep. Peters. “Forced arbitration provisions prevent survivors from bringing to light their stories and shield patterns of abuse. By passing the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, we’ve taken bipartisan action to give survivors the opportunity to pursue justice.”

Yesterday’s vote builds upon Rep. Peters’ support for workers and consumers who are subject to forced arbitration agreements. In 2019, he co-sponsored and helped pass the FAIR Act to help restore justice for millions of Americans locked out of the court system due to mandatory arbitration in contracts such as Terms of Service agreements and employment contracts.

The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act has been endorsed by the American Association for Justice (AAJ), Public Citizen, the National Women’s Law Center, the National Partnership for Women and Families, Futures Without Violence, Jewish Women International, Lift Our Voices, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Women’s Law Center, Public Citizen, RAINN, RALIANCE, and Sexual Violence Prevention Association, the Malouf Foundation, the Elizabeth Smart Foundation and the House LGBTQ Equality Caucus.