Scrap the “rape clause” and the “family cap” on social security payments.

April 15, 2017, Admin, Activism,

We have signed the petition demanding that the government repeal all "family cap" measures in the Welfare Reform and Work Act - including the so-called rape clause (text below). We believe that all the "austerity" measures implemented by the current government (and the former coalition government with the Liberal Democrats) are inherently misogynistic, classist, racist and disablist. They are, simply, a violation of human rights.

We urge everyone to sign this petition:

As the "rape clause" exemption cannot be delivered in a way that does not breach women's rights and undermine women's equality and safety, we call on the UK Government to repeal the "family cap" measures in the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016, including all of its exemptions.

The Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 places a "family cap" on social security by limiting child tax credits and elements of Universal Credit to two children.

One of the exemptions to the cap set out in secondary legislation is known as the "rape clause". This allows payments for third and subsequent children when pregnancy has arisen from rape. DWP's plan for implementation of the "rape clause" requires women to disclose rape to a certifying "third-party assessor".

PETITION

‹ The “rape clause” – responses from women’s service providers Am I to blame? ›