Today we were present in the Oval Office as the President of the United States signed FOSTA/SESTA legislation into law. Kathy McGibbon, Program Director for Elijah Rising commented on her reaction to FOSTA/SESTA:
“Though the residue of my past still lingers online due to images I was forced to take, today I have hope. The passing of FOSTA/SESTA and the seizure of Backpage is an overwhelming victory for so many survivors who simply want to rebuild their lives without the fear of their past. Today, I feel we have finally been given that opportunity.”
It was an emotional day in The White House as survivors shared their hearts and their stories with the President, Ivanka Trump, and other officials.
A historic moment today at The White House! FOSTA/SESTA H.R. 1865 is signed into law! pic.twitter.com/rtZTH9zjHG
— Elijah Rising (@Elijah_Rising) April 11, 2018
Second from the left is Katherine McGibbon, Program Director at Elijah Rising; fourth from the left is Chelsie Lancaster, Kendleton Farms; to the left of the President in the white blazer is Amy Sickle, Kendleton Farms.
Official White House Photos by Shealah Craighead
The President dedicated the bill to Yvonne Ambrose’s daughter whose life was taken because she was being sold on Backpage.