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.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) stood out as the only member to cast a vote neither in support nor against the measure that otherwise received broad support from both Democrats and Republicans.
In House floor remarks, Tlaib said the resolution “rightfully denounces any sexual violence by Hamas,” but she claimed to be “disturbed” by how it lacks similar language for how Israeli forces allegedly treat Palestinians.
We all have a responsibility to denounce sexual violence in all forms, regardless of who is responsible. War crimes cannot justify more war crimes. This resolution falls well short of also acknowledging the sexual abuse of Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/T4kdm1WXxk
— Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (@RepRashida) February 14, 2024
“We all have a responsibility to denounce sexual violence in all forms, regardless of who is responsible. War crimes cannot justify more war crimes,” she added in a post to X.
The resolution, introduced by Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), “condemns acts of rape and sexual violence as weapons of war, including those acts committed by Hamas on and since October 7, 2023.
Today, with overwhelming bipartisan support, we've passed my resolution in the House condemning Hamas's use of rape and sexual violence on and since October 7th. Our message is loud and clear: these acts are not tools of war, and we condemn them. pic.twitter.com/OR3hKul12c
— Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) February 14, 2024
Among other provisions, the resolution also “calls on all nations to criminalize rape and sexual assault, and hold accountable all perpetrators of sexual violence, including state and non-state armed groups.”
The House clerk tally showed 418 members, including 210 Republicans and 208 Democrats, voted in support of the resolution. Tlaib, a member of the leftist “Squad” who is the sole Palestinian American member of Congress, voted “present” while a dozen members did not vote.
Some members criticized Tlaib for her “present” vote, the latest in a pattern of the congresswoman opposing resolutions geared toward expressing support for Israel, and following a censure last year for her response to the deadly attacks by Hamas.
“For more than 129 days, Israel has defended itself from Hamas’ terror. Hamas committed despicable crimes on October 7th. It’s shameful [Tlaib] wouldn’t support a resolution condemning rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas,” Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK) said in a post to X.
“The House just delivered a strong rebuke of Hamas’ use of rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war! Disturbingly, what should have been a unanimous vote was ruined by [Tlaib] who couldn’t bring herself to condemn these heinous acts,” said Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX).