Bill Cosby was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. Now some people say President BArack Obama should take it back.
A petition asking President Obama to revoke Bill Cosby’s Presidential Medal of Freedom has gotten tons of support, even from within Congress. Senator Kristen Gillibrand has added her voice to the effort.
“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest award bestowed on civilians for their contributions to society. Bill Cosby does not deserve to be on the list of distinguished recipients,” the petition asserts.
Bill Cosby is DONE
— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) July 15, 2015
Senator Gillibrand spoke up about the allegations against Bill Cosby, urging the President to heed the wishes of the 5,000+ signatories of the petition, especially after testimony from Cosby that he procured Quaaludes for purposes of sex with women.
Happy 78th birthday Bill Cosby! Remember – you're not getting older, you're getting away with rape.
— John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) July 12, 2015
“Kirsten has always advocated for listening to survivors’ voices. This 10-year-old admission is appalling, but sadly not surprising considering that dozens of women have been speaking out,” Glen Caplin, spokesperson for Senator Gillibrand spokesperson said.
“She supports this group’s effort because we need to set a clear example that sexual assault will not be tolerated in this country, and someone who admitted to using drugs for sex no longer deserves the nation’s highest honor.”
However, when asked about the effort to revoke Cosby’s medal, President Obama said there is no precedent for doing so, nor is there any existing process. While the President did not comment on Cosby’s situation by name, he did speak in general terms about the matter.
“I’ll say this. If you give a woman — or a man, for that matter — without his or her knowledge a drug, and then have sex with that person without consent, that’s rape. And I think this country, any civilized country, should have no tolerance for rape.”
Some see the President’s words as a veiled admission that he too sees Cosby as guilty, even though the allegations may have escaped court.
President hints that what Bill Cosby did was rape — but "won't comment" on his case specifically -or if Medal of Freedom can be revoked
— West Wing Reports (@WestWingReport) July 15, 2015