People should be free from harassment, whether sexual or otherwise in the workplace including the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
While harassment is not partisan and should not be viewed from a partisan or political lens, House Republican members continue to express frustration at the House Democrats’ refusal to codify how victims of sexual harassment can file complaints.
Over the objections of the House Democrat majority leadership team, and Democratic members, Rep. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover)
filed a resolution to provide for an Ethics Committee to the operating rules for special session.
The measure was defeated with every Democrat voting in opposition, and every Republican voting in support.
This action follows an allegation of sexual harassment made against a sitting member of the House of Representatives. A woman made the allegation Jan. 27 during one of the stops of Speaker Mark Rozzi’s (D-Berks) listening tour in Philadelphia.
PA House Republicans will pursue an expansion of House ethical conduct rules and procedures to allow sexual harassment complaints made by anyone against a member or officer of the House in employment-related circumstances. Currently, the House operating rules DO NOT protect other citizens who interact with members.
More from our Members:
Marcell Calls on House Democrats to Keep Capitol Safe from Accused Sexual Harasser - Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks)
White Demands Action on House Ethics in Wake of Sexual Harassment Allegation - Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia)
We Must Act Now to Prevent Sexual Abuse, Misconduct in the House - Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York)
Time to Act Now to Prevent Sexual Harassment by House Members - Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny)