The Monterey Park City Council passed a resolution at its April 20, 2011 meeting making Wednesday, April 27, 2011 “Denim Day” in Monterey Park. The City joins with cities across the United States in participating in “Denim Day” to promote public awareness to misconceptions about sexual assault and the victims of sexual assault.

“Denim Day” was established in 1999 after the California Legislature’s Women’s Caucus learned of a protest of a court decision that occurred in Italy. The Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction. In overturning the conviction, the Chief Judge stated that because the victim wore tight jeans she had to have helped the perpetrator remove them no longer making it rape but consensual sex. Enraged by the verdict and the judge’s statement, within a matter of hours the women of the Italian Parliament launched into immediate action and protested by wearing jeans to work. This call to action motivated the California legislators to do the same. Peace Over Violence, a Los Angeles County based Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence victims’ advocacy organization promoted the idea and the first “Denim Day-L.A.” was created. “Denim Day” is now recognized throughout the United States.

As part of the City of Monterey Park’s observance of “Denim Day,” City employees were permitted to wear jeans to work on Wednesday, April 27. The City Council also encouraged residents, business persons, students, and visitors to participate to help communicate the message that there is “no excuse and never an invitation to rape.”