[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RESPONSE TO GEN. DENNIS J. REIMER'S SUGGESTION THAT SEX-SEGREGATED 
                    TRAINING RETURN TO THE MILITARY

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 1997

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as we enter the 21st 
century, it is unacceptable for men to use human nature and sexuality 
as an excuse for sexual crimes and gender discrimination.
  We cannot regress two decades of advancement for women based on the 
inability of some who cannot control their sexuality. Harsh 
disciplinary procedures must be enacted in order to ensure that women 
have a fair and equal opportunity to serve this Nation.
  The separation of the sexes is not a solution to the problem. Rather, 
General Reimer's suggestion is a slap in the face to men because it 
suggests that men operate solely on animal instinct.
  Additionally, General Reimer's suggestion increases the problem 
because if men are rarely in an environment with women, they will never 
know how to interact with them. It is time for women to be treated as 
equal peers of men, and not as sexual objects.

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