Political and Legislative
The Senate Passes a #MeToo Bill That Bans Mandatory Arbitration
The Senate cleared a bill Thursday that would forbid clauses in employment contracts requiring workers to litigate sexual harassment and abuse cases in private, rather than a court, several years after the #MeToo movement drew attention to the issue.
“If you can ever say that legislation is long overdue, this is it,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said.
The legislation, which was passed by voice vote, has bipartisan support. Lawmakers drafted it in response to the #MeToo movement, which exposed how the clauses — known collectively as mandatory arbitration — prevent repeat offenders from being held accountable.
