LANSING – Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer today issued the following statement on Tea Party Senate candidate Peter Hoekstra’s appearance with the controversial Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker:
“Peter Hoekstra shares Scott Walker’s fringe policies, and it’s causing him huge problems with women. Both men have fought to outlaw the right to choose for rape victims, ban birth control and fought against equal pay protections for women. Walker and Hoekstra say they’re for small government, but when it comes to women, they want to make all the decisions.”
The facts of Hoekstra and Walker’s disturbing record on women’s issues include:
- Opposition to abortion even in cases of rape and incest
- Opposition to birth control, including the pill
- Opposition to equal pay for women protections
Hoekstra’s extreme record has begun to affect his standing with women voters. A recent WDIV/Detroit News poll showed him trailing Senator Stabenow with women by 16 points.
Below you will find background on Hoekstra and Walker’s fringe policies:
Hoekstra Voted Against The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act To Prevent Wage Discrimination
In 2009, Rep. Pete Hoekstra voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. The final bill allowed employees to sue employers for wage discrimination within 180 days of their last paycheck affected by the alleged discrimination. [S 181, Vote #37, 1/27/09]
Hoekstra Called Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act a “Nuisance”
In April, Hoekstra told a crowd of young professionals that the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act was a “nuisance” that “shouldn’t be the law.” [Grand Rapids News, 4/13/12]
Gov. Walker Repealed Equal Pay Legislation In Wisconsin
In 2012, Gov. Walker repealed Wisconsin’s Equal Pay Enforcement Act, a law that allowed victims of wage discrimination to sue employers in state court which is often less expensive than filing in federal court. [ABC News, 4/08/12]
Hoekstra Opposes Abortions In Cases Of Rape Or Incest
In 2012, Hoekstra said he was opposed to abortions, even in cases of rape or incest. [Detroit News, 8/21/12]
…As Does Gov. Walker
Gov. Walker opposes abortions, even in cases of rape and incest. Walker also said he would pursue a complete ban on abortion. [PolitiFact, 10/21/10]
Hoekstra Co-Sponsored Personhood Legislation Seven Times
Hoekstra co-sponsored seven bills that declared life begins at fertilization while in Congress. [HR 881, co-sponsored on 2/04/09; HR 618, co-sponsored on 1/22/07; HR 552, co-sponsored on 2/02/05; HR 3069, co-sponsored on 5/05/04; HR 639, co-sponsored on 2/09/99; HR 641, co-sponsored on 2/06/97; HR 1625, co-sponsored on 1/03/96]
Personhood Legislation Would Make Contraception Illegal
“Personhood” legislation would not only outlaw abortion, but also hormonal birth control, IUDs, and emergency contraception. [Washington Post, 10/28/11]
Walker Opposed Use Of Birth Control, Vowed To Protect Pharmacists Who Refused To Dispense Birth Control
Gov. Walker has the endorsement of Pro-Life Wisconsin, a group that opposes all forms of birth control. According to the Appleton Post Crescent, Walker scored a 100 percent on Pro-Life Wisconsin’s survey, vowing to support a complete abortion ban and protect pharmacists who refuse to dispense birth control pills. [Appleton Post Crescent, 7/12/10]
Personhood Legislation Would Make Abortions Illegal In Cases Of Rape Or Incest
Personhood legislation would ban nearly all abortions, including those resulting from rape or incest. [New York Times, 10/25/11]
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