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Military (Women in the Military)

We’re working to expand opportunities for female service members, to better prevent and detect sexual harassment and assault, and to eliminate all forms of sex discrimination, including discrimination based on pregnancy and parental status.

Highlights

press release | Historic Decision on Combat Roles for Women Opens the Doors of Opportunity to All Women in the Armed Forces, says NWLC

January 23, 2013

Pentagon Chief Leon Panetta has lifted the military’s ban on women serving in combat. The following is a statement by Nancy Duff Campbell, Co-President of the National Women’s Law Center:

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press release | NWLC Applauds Senator Gillibrand's Legislation That Moves Key Decisions in Sexual Assault Cases Outside the Chain of Command

May 16, 2013

(Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY), along with Senators Collins (R-ME), Boxer (D-CA), Johanns (R-NE), Begich (D-AK), Blumenthal (D-CT), Coons (D-DE), Franken (D-MN), Hirono (D-HI), Milulski (D-MD), Pryor (D-AR), Schatz (D-HI), Shaheen (D-NH), and Representatives Benishek (R-MI), Gabbard (D-HI), Hanna (R-NY) and Sinema (D-AZ) announced The Military Justice Improvement Act, the bicameral legislation that would reform the military justice system by moving the decision-making, prosecution and referral for prosecution of all serious crimes from the chain of command. Read more...

Legal Briefs & Testimony | Letter to Senate Committee Supporting the Military Justice Improvement Act

June 7, 2013

In a letter to the Senate Committee on Armed Services regarding the Military Justice Improvement Act, S. 967, NWLC indicated strong support of the Military Justice Improvement Act, S. 967, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would remove from the chain of command the prosecution and other key decision-making in military cases involving crimes punishable by confinement of one year or more, except crimes that are uniquely military, such as disobeying orders.

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Fact Sheet | Restrictions on Assignments of Military Women: A Brief History

May 6, 2013

The general trend since the end of the Second World War has been expanding roles for women in the armed forces. This paper provides background information on the history and status of policy governing assignment of military women.

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More Resources

Legal Briefs & Testimony | Letter to Senate Committee Supporting the Military Justice Improvement Act

June 07, 2013

Fact Sheet | Restrictions on Assignments of Military Women: A Brief History

May 06, 2013

Fact Sheet | Give Military Women the Health Care Coverage They Deserve

May 17, 2012

Fact Sheet | Eliminating Sexual Assault Should Be a Top Priority of the Department of Defense

December 15, 2008

Fact Sheet | Military Women Should Be Allowed to Serve in All Units and Occupations for Which They Qualify

December 15, 2008