Tulare County To Participate in Denim Day

Tulare County is giving its employees an option this Wednesday to wear jeans in recognition of Denim Day, an awareness day for sexual assault victims, and is asking residents to consider doing so as well.

Denim Day came about in 1999 when an Italian court overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing tight jeans. The court overturned the rape conviction, arguing that because the girl wore tight jeans she must have had to help remove them, thereby giving consent to have sex.

The case made international headlines, and the young woman’s jeans became a symbol of awareness that what someone wears is never an excuse for rape.

Prompted by a request by members of the Zonta Club of Porterville, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors passed a proclamation on Tuesday recognizing Denim Day.

“Denim Day encourages the public to wear jeans to educate society about the injustices and seriousness of rape,” said Allen Ishida, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “The Board of Supervisors commends the Zonta Club for bringing this important issue to our attention and encourages all Tulare County residents to consider wearing jeans on Wednesday.”

Zonta Club President Janis Cotton said she appreciates the recognition of Denim Day by Tulare County.

"The Zonta Club of Porterville and Zontians worldwide stand united in their fight to advocate for stronger sentences for rapists and to support treatment for victims of rape,” Cotton said.

Note: If your business or department decides to participate in Denim Day, take a picture and email it to tularecountynews@co.tulare.ca.us. Your pictures will be posted on the County of Tulare’s Facebook page and included in the May 2012 edition of the Around Tulare County newsletter.