At the State Capitol on Wednesday …
Members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives proclaimed April 26 Honor Denim Day recognizing the importance of promoting awareness about sexual violence.
State Rep. Tess Teague, a Republican representing Choctaw, authored House Concurrent Resolution 1001, which officially recognizes the day in Oklahoma.
For the past 17 years, the Honor Denim Day campaign has been held in April in support of Sexual Violence Awareness Month. The campaign began in response to a 1998 ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim.
Peace Over Violence, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building healthy relationships, families and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence, developed the Honor Denim Day campaign in response to the Italian Supreme Court case.
Wearing jeans on Honor Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and disparaging attitudes about sexual assault.
“We are thankful to be able to support such a cause in Oklahoma. April 26 will serve as a day to educate citizens in Oklahoma on the importance of standing against sexual violence.” said Teague, R-Choctaw.
The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault worked closely with Rep. Tess Teague for the implementation of Honor Denim Day in Oklahoma.
“I admire the long-standing work of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Their determination and care for those suffering from domestic violence and sexual assault is something we all should imitate,” said Teague.
