Rashida Tlaib Votes ‘Present’ On Resolution Condemning Hamas Rape

 One House lawmaker, a Democrat, voted "present" on Wednesday for a resolution condemning rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas in its war against Israel following the group's terrorist attacks in October.

Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) stood out as the only member to vote neither in support nor against the measure, which otherwise received broad support from both Democrats and Republicans.

In House floor remarks, Tlaib said the resolution "rightly condemns any sexual violence by Hamas", but claimed she was "troubled" by how Israeli forces reportedly treated Palestinians. It lacks a common language for how it behaves.

We all have a responsibility to condemn all forms of sexual violence, no matter who is responsible. War crimes cannot justify more war crimes. This proposal falls far short of acknowledging the sexual exploitation of Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/T4kdm1WXxk

— Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) February 14, 2024

“We all have a responsibility to condemn all forms of sexual violence, no matter who is responsible. War crimes cannot justify more war crimes,” he added in a post to X.

Among other provisions, the resolution also "calls on all countries to criminalize rape and sexual harassment and to hold accountable all perpetrators of sexual violence, including state and non-state armed groups."

The House clerk tally showed that 418 members, including 210 Republicans and 208 Democrats, voted in support of the resolution. Leftist "Squad" member Tlaib, the only Palestinian American member of Congress, voted "present" while a dozen members abstained.

Some members criticized Tlaib for her "present" vote, the latest in a pattern of congressmen opposing resolutions expressing support for Israel and condemning her for her response to deadly attacks carried out by Hamas last year. Is.

“For more than 129 days, Israel has defended itself against the terror of Hamas. Hamas committed heinous crimes on October 7. It is shameful [Tlaib] will not support a resolution condemning rape and sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas,” Rep. Kevin Hearn (R-OK) said in a post to X.

“The House strongly condemns Hamas's use of rape and sexual violence as weapons of war! What is disturbing is that what should have been a unanimous vote was ruined by [Tlaib] who could not bring herself to condemn these heinous acts,” Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX). he said.