Womens rights

More Than Looks

The evening news comes on to report about the protests in New York – the 1% protests. The reporter clutches her microphone as she gestures with her other arm at the crowds behind her with a serious and solemn expression.

#SexFeed - Battle stations! Breastfeeding moms are back in the firing line.

In recent months, there’s been no shortage of controversy over the topic of breastfeeding.

Where Do Fathers Fit In With a Woman’s Reproductive Rights?

In the United States, a woman can have an abortion with or without the consent of the unborn baby’s father. Is that how it should be?

My Favorite Mood for Love? Selfishness

If you can’t remember the last time you made out on a hard surface because you were too aroused to wait, then it’s time you reacquaint with your sexual selfish side.

#SexFeed: Pro-Life Protesters Get a Taste of Their Own Medicine

Friends of an abortion clinic landlord rally to protest pro-life protesters who harrassed the man’s daughter at her school.

Sliding Backwards

How have we slipped so far so fast, with perhaps more backsliding to come? On the face of it, that doesn't make sense, even with so many cranky and fascist old white guys in leadership positions in the local, state and federal government despite men being only half the population.

Treacherous Times For Hymens, Uteri and Vaginas

The author contemplates if we are “one step closer to saying good-bye to an era when simply being a woman is treated as a preexisting condition” as Senator Barbara Mikulski stated, or heading into the equivalent of the sexual dark ages in our own civilized backyards?

Presidents’ Day Protest Teaches Lawmakers a Lesson in Fact-Checking

All eyes are on Virginia as their government decides whether or not to state-sanction rape.

Women Prescribed Defective Birth Control Able to File Suit

But don't expect to get too far. It’s easier to prove a botched vasectomy.

Susan G. Komen Denies Bowing to Boycott

Those still standing with Planned Parenthood put their money where their mouths are.

Another State Jumps on the Embryo-Viewing Bandwagon

Senator Janet “Lovey” Howell steps in with a suggestion of her own.

Rick Santorum Says Rape Babies are a Gift from God

Nurse Ratched puts his presidential campaign on suicide watch.

Britain Allows Abortion Clinics to Advertise on Television

Don't worry! Ads won't be all abortion, all the time.

“Mademoiselle” Deemed Sexist, Banned from Paperwork

Why do we distinguish by title between married and unmarried women, anyway?

Puah Institute Shuts Women Out of OB-GYN Conference

Maybe they think we'd put men to shame with our vagina knowledge?

Lego Sets for Little Girls?

Not if the feminists have their way.

Egypt: Court Bans Virginity Tests

But only for female detainees in military prisons.

Survey: 20 Percent of Women Have Been Sex Assault Victims

Oklahoma is rated worst for domestic violence, CDC says.

Woman Says Nurse in Florida Hospital Fondled Her

Files suit to "protect other women" from sexual abuse; alleged abuser still working.

Yet Another Grandma Reports TSA Ordered Her to Take Her Pants Off

You know what? We think grandmothers, generally, are much more trustworthy than government officials.

Anti-Rape Site Seems to Blame Booze More than Rapists

"Control Tonight" tries to be helpful but is utterly tone-deaf on sexual assault.

Topless Protesters in Kiev Oppose Sex Tourism

Group wants soccer association to raise awareness, educate fans ... or else.

Saudi Scholars: Women Driving Cars Would Be the End of Virginity

Thanks, now we have the Beatles' song "Baby You Can Drive My Car" stuck in our head.

Journalist in Cairo Describes Her Beating, Sexual Assault

Riot police “acted like animals.” And then they found out she was an American citizen. Oops.

Florida Mom Doesn't Want Hooters in the Classroom

Mamas, Don't let your daughters grow up to be waitresses? C'mon ...

Adult Video Store Worker Stabbed to Death in Indiana

Suspect turns self in, says he was “broke and lonely.”

Is There Such A Thing As Female Privilege?

In the sex positive talk space we hear a lot about “male privilege” but rarely — if ever — discuss what privileges women have that men don’t.

144 Tweets to Document Sexual Abuse ... Before She Died

Texas teen said her story wasn't believed, and she committed suicide.

Mississippi Voters Reject 'Personhood' for Zygotes

Yes, it is crazy that they would have to vote on it.

Amanda Knox's Ex Doesn't Foresee a Reunion

“... Our relationship was overcome by this tragedy.”

The Herminator Says: 'Don't Even Go There.'

But we will, because he's running for president. And if he sexually harassed women, we'd like to know.

OWS 'Protester' Charged with Two Sexual Assaults

Police remove one guy from Zuccotti Park who really didn't need to be there.

Sexual Harassment Allegations Cloud Cain Campaign Prospects

GOP presidential candidate says he was falsely accused.

Mississippi Voters May Choose 'Personhood' for Fertilized Eggs

Unconstitutional? Sure. Will it stop them? Maybe not ...

TSA to Blogger: 'Get Your Freak On, Girl'

Yes, now airport security leaves notes when they find vibrators in luggage.

Lesbian Veteran Challenges VA on Spousal Benefits

Federal definition of marriage still excludes same-sex couples.

Strauss-Kahn Won't be Prosecuted for Sex Assault in France, Either

Prosecutors won't bring charges despite evidence in 2003 case.

Domestic Violence Law REPEALED in Topeka, Kansas

Budget cuts, political gamesmanship blamed. Meanwhile, prosecutions stop.

Could You Love the Man Who Shot Your Face Off?

For ourselves, we think we'd be a little gun-shy ...

Devil's Advocate: Can Feminists Ditch the Misogyny?

Today’s political arena has seen several right-wing female icons emerge — Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann, amongst others — but feminists and liberals seem unable to criticize these new political figures without resorting to the same sort of misogyny they’ve spent years complaining about.

Southwest Airlines Has No Affection for a Lesbian Kiss

“L Word” actress and girlfriend escorted from plane, urge boycott.

Pole Dancer Smuggled In and Out of Saudi Arabia

It's all about fitness, but U.K. Muslims are angered by photos.

Prostitution Past Erased for Sex-Trafficking Victim

New law allows former “pimp controlled” sex workers a fresh start.

New Yorkers Band Together to Stem Assaults on Women

Police hunt man who has attacked nine victims in Brooklyn since March.

Italian Porn Star Legislator's Pension Under Fire

Yes, it's a lot of money. But they all get it, so why single out Cicciolina?

Filipino Women End Village Violence with 'Sex Strike'

Drastic? Sure. But it works, you betcha.

Doctor Charged with Two Sexual Assaults is Still Seeing Female Patients

Court says a female RN must be present, but allows him to practice.

Nebraska Prosecutor Under Fire for Lax Attitude on Rape

He also apparently thinks child porn should be ignored.

Blogger Says TSA Search Was Rape

TSA worker sues for defamation, First Amendment at issue.

Woman Awarded $14,000 from Ex for Lack of Sex

In France, they apparently take lack of sex very, very seriously.

Court Strikes Down New Texas Anti-Abortion Law

Women's rights groups call ruling a huge victory, and it is.

German Sex Workers Now Pay Tax to a Machine

If you're soliciting in the “performance area,” you'd better have a ticket.

Insurer Fined for Denying Coverage of IUD Removals

Nearly 1,000 women denied over the years ... and one finally fought back.

Fairgrounds Tragedy Prompts Challenge on Same-Sex Marriage

Lawsuit anticipated over rights of partner of woman who died.

Wedding Shop Refuses to Serve Lesbian Bride-to-Be

We think no one's going to want that dress now, anyway.

Alcohol & Consent: Why the Double Standard?

Whacked out, drunken-ass consent is still consent; otherwise we have to reexamine a woman’s right to drink.

This Sunday is National 'Go Topless' Day!

We knew you wouldn't want to forget, right?

Perry Flip-Flops on Women's Health, Gay and Abortion Rights

Latest GOP presidential candidate realigns views to satisfy conservatives.

More Sexual Equality Means More Sex ... Period

Theory of sexual economics totally makes sense to us.

Rationalizing the Right to Life: Pro Choice and Pro Life — Equally Mired In Hypocrisy, Part 2

The more extreme wings of the pro-life camp and the pro-choice camp think they’re complete opposites – but I have equal contempt for both of them.

Feds Rule Insurers Must Cover Preventative Care, Birth Control

New guidelines go into effect next year. Hooray!

Apple Withdraws from Christian Values Network

No more iTunes for anti-gay, anti-women fund-raising group.

SexCult: Will Common Sense Contraception Without Co-Pay Be Derailed by Crazy?

Most of Americans are in favor of including contraception and contraceptive counseling in the Affordable Care Act — so why be worried it might be left out? Recent attacks on reproductive freedom from funding for Planned Parenthood to legislative initiatives to restrict access to abortion give good cause for concern.

Rationalizing the Right to Life: Pro Choice and Pro Life — Equally Mired In Hypocrisy, Part 1

There are two activist groups that imagine themselves to be almost diametrically opposed — yet I consider them deserving of equal contempt. They’re the pushy pro-life extremists who seek to drive abortion into illegality, and the extreme wing of the pro-choice movement — who seek to make access to terminating pregnancies perhaps more easy and impersonal than it should be.

SexCult: Glitterbombed

Rip Taylor must be so proud. In a political climate that just seems to get more depressing, insulting and sinister every day finally the Glitter Bomb has arrived.

Jury in Texas Denies Claim of Woman Who Alleged Rape in Iraq

Case of Jennifer Leigh Jones got a federal law changed, but no court victory.

Ohio Politician Mixes Booze, Driving, Viagra ... Etc.

Well, voters. You know what to do with this one, right?

'Sexomnia' Apparently a Legal Defense Against Rape Charge, In Wales

We weren't there, but we're not sure about the “Not Guilty.” You?

What Happens When Planned Parenthood Shuts Down?

Indiana gives it a try, and it's an ugly situation.

Supreme Court Sides with Wal-Mart in Gender Bias Case

Women failed to prove corporate policy was cause of discrimination, justices say.

The Power of SlutWalk Los Angeles was in its Stories

In January of this year a representative from the Toronto Police Service said “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized” and with that, he created one hell of a shit storm and spurred a new feminist movement.

Jury Awards $95 Million in Sexual Harassment Case

Employers take note: Non-consensual use of penises in the workplace can cost you.

More Waitresses Sue Casino for Age, Gender Discrimination

Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City allegedly wanted 'younger, slimmer, sexier.'

Dress Code Would Sexualize Women's Badminton

Players seek to overturn new rule mandating skirts.

Aboriginal Canadian Can Continue Her Discrimination Case

Woman claims bar denied her service for wearing moccasins.

Breastfeeding criminalized in Georgia Town

If your kid is over 2 in Forest Park, breastfeeding is now public indecency.

A Third of Berlin University Students Would Consider Sex Work

The costs of education being what they are ...

South Korean Sex Workers Protest Police Crackdown

Emotions run high during four-hour rally.

Cheerleader Fired for Blogging About Misbehaving Cricketers

It's a scandal! Right? Well. for cricket, maybe.

Peace Corps Promises to Stop Blaming Rape Victims for Their Attacks

Somehow, we're thinking this is a little overdue.

Slutwalk Phenomena Spreads, Sparks Criticism

Protest in Boston draws more than 2,000.

Sex Worker's Plea Keeps Her Out of Prison

Woman caught in prostitution bust gets supervised release.

The so-called “Hooker Teacher” Tells Her Side

Down but not out, former sex worker is still writing.

Groups Demand Justice after Beating of Transgender Woman

Bystanders, workers at McDonald's in Maryland allegedly encouraged attackers.

“Weaker Sex” Line Draws Fire at Arms Company

Chairman of Safran apparently didn't get the no-sexism memo.

Demi and Ashton Fight Sex Trafficking Online

The videos are a little bizarre, but their hearts are in the right place.

Quebec School Clerk Fired for Her Porn Past

Case is headed for appeal and possibly, court.

Nevada Bill Would Allow Sex Trafficking Victims to Erase Prostitution Convictions

Lawmakers hope to stop treating victims as criminals.

Woman Claims Gender Discrimination Caused Her Heart Attack

$150M lawsuit says workplace hostility nearly killed New Jersey woman.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Tell Someone. Help Someone.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center premieres PSA in Times Square.

Toronto “SlutWalk” Draws 1,500 Protesters

Honk if you think it's okay for women to wear what they like to wear.

Quebec Boy Who Outed School Worker as Porn Actress is Suspended

Student who didn't get an autograph in trouble for setting up Facebook page.

Canadian School Clerk Suspended for Porn Work

Student turns her in after she declines to give an autograph.

Pro-Life Groups Demand Seattle University Cut Ties with Planned Parenthood

And we encourage Seattle University to keep doing what it's doing.

WalMart Sex Discrimination Case in Supreme Court Next Week

Women fight for class-action status against retail giant.

Colorado Lawmakers Propose Schools for Clients of Sex Workers

Johns could be fined up to $10,000 and then, well, they'd get an education.

Planned Parenthood Called “Planned Genocide”

If you think the enemies of PP aren't serious, please think again ...

Celebrating International Sex Workers' Rights Day With A Sex-Toy Fashion Show

Nothing livens up a fashion show like prefacing it with the words “sex toy.”

Porn Pageant Past Ruins Miss Universe Future

Self-righteous moralizers really need a better hobby, don't you think?

Planned Parenthood Funding Cuts Rejected

Senate Democrats united in blocking GOP effort, but this isn't over.

Teacher Quits When Student Discovers Porn Past ... Again

No one will let former XXX actress leave her past behind.

When the Assault on Planned Parenthood Becomes Personal

My relationship with Planned Parenthood is personal. When I was 19, I was in an abusive relationship and when I found out I was pregnant, Planned Parenthood was there for me. I credit the organization with saving my life. They provided me with all of the information I needed to make an informed decision. I am not ashamed or embarrassed; I am simply grateful that I had a choice and a place to turn.

What Do You Tell a Woman Who is Considering Abortion?

UK doctors emphasize safety, divided on psychological advice.

Supporters Rally for Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Healthcare in Manhattan

The chants and speeches could be heard from several blocks away. The Planned Parenthood rally in Foley Square outside of the courthouse in Manhattan on Saturday afternoon attracted more than 5,000 men and women who came together in peace on the brisk sunny day to demonstrate the importance of healthcare, and reproductive healthcare, for women.

Power of the People Gets Anti-Abortion Billboard Removed

Mother upset at use of her child's image—and who wouldn't be?

State Rep. Dubs Enhanced Pat-Downs “Too Intrusive”

Had a mastectomy? Prepare to be searched before boarding the plane.

Toronto Officer Disciplined, Apologizes for Telling Women Not to Dress Like Sluts

From the dept. of “People are really supposed to know better by now ...”

Sexual Assault Cases Put Spotlight on Notre Dame

University police criticized for mishandling rape cases.

Burlesque Cabaret—Fundraiser for Sex Workers Outreach Project—LA

Those walking into The Grand Star Jazz Club in Los Angeles’ historic Chinatown district on January 27th were in for a special treat. Upon entrance they were greeted by Cleo and Jessie Nicole, two drop dead gorgeous hostesses in tight black dresses and heels.

South Dakota Bill Could Justify Killing Abortion Providers

Proposal would expand definition of “justifiable homicide.”

Sexual Assault Clinic Launched in North Wales

Health, law enforcement join forces in new facility.

Mr. Sexsmith's Other Girlfriend: Am I A Bad Feminist?

Women's Sexual Pleasure Month Declared

Clitoral satisfaction and wholeness part of obscure faith's agenda.

Live Action Releases Second Planned Parenthood Video

PP says worker acted appropriately, visit led to FBI probe.

NJ Planned Parenthood Manager Fired after Video Release

“Sting” shows questionable counseling in incident.

Ohio Landlord Sued for Sexual Harassment

Tenants say he traded rent discounts and repairs for sex.

Australian Sex Party Fights for the Right of Adults to Wear School Uniforms

Every country really ought to have a Sex Party, don't you think?

Planned Parenthood Asks Probe of Mysterious Visitor

FBI declines comment on investigation.

Supreme Court: Family Members Protected by Civil Rights Act

Firing of fiancé ruled as apparent retaliation for lawsuit.

House Republicans Take Stand Against Abortion Funds

Is it the money? Probably not.

Scalia: 14th Amendment Doesn't Cover Women, LGBT

Liberals are neither surprised nor especially dismayed.

Modern Marriage Works Best when it’s About “Me.”

Self-expression and individual growth are key for happiest couples.

“Rosie the Riveter” Dies at 86

WWII and women's movement icon Geraldine Hoff Doyle.

Same-Sex Adoption Loses in North Carolina

High court invalidates adoption by birth mother's partner.

Craigslist Yields to Pressure in Canada

Company pulls erotic service section from web sites.

Congress Urged to Pass Child Marriage Act

Bill would support prevention of underage, non-consenting marriages globally.

Blogger, SexIs Writer Sued for Child Custody

Holliday seeks support from sex-positive community.

German City Levies Tax on Pleasure

Dortmund hopes to raise 750,000 euros ... on the backs of sex workers.

Oprah's Not A Lesbian

We don't really care, but ABC apparently does. A lot.

Anti-Abortion Enforcement in Mexico Puts Women at Risk; Judge’s Sex Charges Dropped; Film Fest Flaunts Erotic Poster

Since Mexico City legalized abortion, authorities in other parts of the country have cracked down, endangering the health of women and putting them at risk of criminal charges.

Zestra Too Zesty for Boob Tube; Women Awarded Majority of Doctorates; Aussie PM’s Wild Step Child

Female sexual arousal is apparently a taboo topic too racy for TV, because despite audiences’ inundation with explicit sex-product commercials aimed at men—cum Viagra and Trojan—producers of a feminine pleasure enhancer are having a tough time getting their message across.

Defying the Burka; Painting by Nipples; Greek “Army” Makes Love, Not War

Joumana Haddad is a daring poet and editor who produces a quarterly magazine about the human body, women’s issues, and erotica in Arabic culture—and it circulates in erotically restrictive Lebanon.

Standing on the Shoulders of the Suffragettes, Buses Plea for Pope to Ordain Women

They marched relentlessly, they got tossed in jail, they endured hunger strikes and chained themselves to the White House gates—and thanks to them, the brilliant women who fought so hard for the right to vote, many of us today enjoy freedoms of which they never dreamed.

Top(less) of the World!

Women make a statement for topless equality

Free the Nipples Protest, Bill Clinton’s Sexy Mind and Speidi’s Orwellian Sex Tape

Onlookers were very eager to agree with protesters yesterday, as the organization Gotopless hosted a demonstration demanding equal rights for men and women—to bare their chests.

Female Condoms, What Price Contraception? How Young is Too Young for Long-Term Birth Control

“But it just doesn’t feel the same…” We wonder if women will start using this line when referring to the female condoms that are now gaining wide recognition in major U.S. metropolitan cities.

Iranian Woman Saved from Death by Stoning; Gay Marriage Not Banned in Boston

An international campaign to keep an Iranian woman accused of adultery from being stoned to death has succeeded.

American Desi(girls): An Interview with Filmmaker Ishita Srivastava

BP Cleanup, Prostitution Ban Relaxed and Topless Pools

President Obama addressed the nation yesterday, in a primetime speech regarding the Gulf oil spill disaster.

SexFeed: Sinkholes, Sexy Professionals and Al Gore’s Pants

SexFeed: Indonesian Tight Pants Ban, Smoking Kids in Sex Ed

SexFeed: North Korean Sex Trafficking and “Pleasure Brigade”

I Got Fired for Writing About Sex

SexFeed: Elena Kagan Possibly First Lesbian Supreme Court Nominee?

SexFeed: Go See Banned Trousers in a Wicked Camper This Cinco de Mayo.

The Plight of the Submissive Feminist

When you’ve spent most of your life fighting to be taken seriously as a woman, it can be extraordinarily grating to discover that you want to call any man “sir.” This, then, is the plight of the feminist sexual submissive—how do you maintain your identity as a strong, intelligent, independent woman when you also get off on letting people push you around?

The Whore Journals: Getting PAID for doing what I used to do for FREE

She was smart, attractive, unemployed…and good in bed. Fed up with getting screwed by the corporate world, she decided to take destiny in her own hands, have sex on her own terms, and put a new twist on the world’s oldest profession.

Sex & Culture & The Pill

Today, women take contraception for granted. Many even consider having to take a daily dose a chore. In response, a proliferation of once-monthly, and even once-quarterly forms of birth control have flooded the marketplace … but it wasn’t so long ago that sex minus fertility wasn’t an option—even if you were married. How the introduction of one little pill changed the modern world.

What Does Healthcare Reform Mean, Sexually Speaking?

Q: What’s almost 2,000 pages long, has the head of a donkey, the tail of an elephant, the petrified genitals of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and the scent of something rotten in the state of U.S. Politics? A: The Affordable Healthcare for America Act

Grading on the Curves: A Report Card on Women’s Healthcare

It’s fair to say that healthcare and women have a complicated history. Let’s take a look at why.

The Color of Harlotry: Sex in Kolkata

Mandy Van Deven provides a small glimpse into how government control in India turns Western women into whores and Indian women into prudes.

The Power and Protest of Public Sexuality in India

Trouble, thy name is woman. India is a country in the throes of a sexual revolution, and young women are firmly planted at the center of the controversy.