Jerry Nadler: “This amendment addresses a unique and gruesome form of violence against woman known as honor crimes, in which a woman is…”

“This amendment addresses a unique and gruesome form of violence against woman known as honor crimes, in which a woman is maimed or murdered by a relative, usual male, under the perception that the family's honor has been offended. What is most shocking is that these women are attacked by their own family Members: brothers, fathers, even sons. Most of us are taught to protect and care for members of our family, not to brutalize them. While preserving one's family honor is obviously no excuse for attacking any person, it is even more shocking that many of these honor crimes are not the result of a so-called dishonorable act, but of a mere belief or perception that such an act may have occurred. In countries like Bangladesh, for example, women are attacked with acid and whipped if they are merely suspected of a moral indiscretion. In an 11-month period in Pakistan, there were over 675 reported honor killings. Women in Afghanistan suspected of adultery are threatened with death by stoning, as are women in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.”