We are outraged with those who are apologists and worse for Roman Polanskis alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl. We applaud the recent article by Katha Pollitt of the Nation, for calling to account those who support and minimize the heinous act of rape and Mr. Polanskis actions.

From her article, we note:

His crime wasnt rape rape, just, you know, rape. From famous TV/film star Whoopi Goldberg
Perhaps he made a youthful error. From a nationally known author and Polanski supporter. (Polanski was 43 at the time of the alleged crime!!)
The 13-year-old model seduced' by Polanski had been thrust onto him by her mother. From another Polanski apologist.
Regarding the attempt by the United States to have Polanski arrested, the French cultural minister responded that our arrest warrant showed the scary side of America.

For those unfamiliar with the 1977 case, Roman Polanski, a famous movie director, originally faced charges of rape and sodomy, but he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of unlawful sex with a minor. He fled the country before sentencing, but recently was arrested in Switzerland. He is fighting extradition to the United States.

All too often, rapists escape punishment for their crimes. In fact, only 6 percent of rapists spend time in jail! But Mr. Polanskis privileged friends have taken rape justification to a new and dangerous level: an orchestrated campaign to excuse his gross misconduct, and one that has legal and moral repercussions. Rape is rape, not to be excused or minimized legally or morally.

We are advocates for college sexual assault survivors through our roles at Porchlight Counseling Services, an Evanston, Illinois-based non-profit. Porchlight has counseled more than 130 courageous survivors and spoken to more than 3,000 students through prevention workshops. We know through experience how devastating it is to blame the victim and excuse the perpetrator.

What can be done? Lets send a loud and clear message:

To those who minimize the crime of rape;
To those whose actions must be prosecuted;
To those who need to be reminded that America is a nation of laws.

Your signature represents your refusal to condone rape, no matter how famous the rapist may be.

The Rev. Ron Valentine
Board Member, Porchlight Counseling Services

Diana Newton
Executive Director, Porchlight