A Welcome Step Forward! Congress Passes Bill to End Forced Arbitration in Sexual Assault and Harassment Cases

February 10, 2022

For Immediate Release:

A Welcome Step Forward! Congress Passes Bill to End Forced Arbitration in Sexual Assault and Harassment Cases

Move Should Serve As Signal to Restore Access to Justice for All Consumers, Workers, Small Businesses

Washington D.C. – The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) applauds Congress’ passage of the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. The U.S. House passed the bipartisan bill on Tuesday (335-97) and the U.S. Senate today approved the bill. The legislation would ensure that survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment will be able to get their claims heard in court instead of being forced into private, secret arbitration proceedings.

Below is the statement of Christine Hines, NACA’s Legislative Director

“Congress should be heartily applauded for its actions limiting forced arbitration this week. Finally, survivors of sexual assault and harassment can choose to bring their complaints to court, and can no longer be forced into private, secretive, corporate-controlled arbitration forums required under nonnegotiable contracts.”

“Congress has previously taken steps to eliminate forced arbitration and to reinstate rights and remedies for borrowers against mortgage servicers, auto dealers in their transactions with more powerful auto manufacturers, and servicemembers who are ripped off by certain lending products and services. The votes this week were another important step to re-opening the courthouse doors for all.”

“There is no question that lawmakers understand how unjust these clauses are. The next logical move is for Congress to end the rigged forced arbitration system once and for all and restore the rights of all consumers, workers, servicemembers, ordinary investors, and small businesses who continue to be shut out of the court system.”

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