Gillibrand backs bipartisan bill to empower sexual assault and harassment survivors

WASHINGTON. (WHEC) — A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation to empower sexual assault and harassment survivors.

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham are calling for an end to forced arbitration in sexual assault cases. The two were joined Wednesday by broadcaster Gretchen Carlson, who helped pioneer the #MeToo movement when she sued Fox News and its chairman, Roger Ailes, in 2016.

"It’s time to remove the silencing mechanisms. no one can be expected to do their best job at work when they have a muzzle on in the presence of predators and the people who are protecting them," Carlson said.

Gillibrand says removing these provisions will give survivors their day in court.