US defence chief backs change in military sex assault cases
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
In a major shift, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he backed removing the prosecution of sexual assault and other related crimes from the military’s chain of command, allowing instead for independent lawyers to try those cases.
Advocates and lawmakers have been calling for years for the military commanders to be taken out of the decision-making process when it comes to prosecuting sexual assault cases, arguing that they are inclined to overlook the issue.
“We will work with Congress to amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice, removing the prosecution of sexual assaults and related crimes from the military chain of command,” Austin said in a statement on Tuesday, becoming the first defence secretary to support such a move.
Austin said he also backed removing other related crimes, such as domestic violence, from the military chain of command.
A 2018 Pentagon survey estimated that 20,500 male and female service members experienced sexual assault that year.
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Let's see how Mitch McConnell plays with this.
he will play it badly
I'm sure he has already directed his accountant to buy up stock in rape kit manufacturers and testing labs.
Actually, it is a good thing. Please take this all away from Austin and his military.
Can't resist taking a shot eh Vic?
Good!