Sexism in the Statehouse: Women detail harassment in Pierre

[riversedge]

Source: argusleader


Dana Ferguson and Megan Raposa, Argus Leader Published 6:55 p.m. CT Oct. 21, 2017


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'A little too friendly'

The #MeToo movement is what inspired former Sen. Angie Buhl O'Donnell, D-Sioux Falls, to go public last week about an interaction with former House Majority Leader Brian Gosch, who commented on her breasts and asked her for a hug. Gosch said the comments were made in jest and weren't meant to make her feel uncomfortable.

After Buhl O'Donnell posted her story to social media, lobbyist Samantha Spawn shared her account of being raped earlier this year by a Capitol employee. Spawn said the man followed her to her Pierre hotel room after a lobbying event.

In interviews this week, former Capitol interns shared stories of being hit on and asked out by lawmakers who were decades older than them. Women lawmakers and lobbyists said male colleagues regularly discussed their appearances.

“They would say things like ‘Keep wearing skirts like that, they make your legs look nice,’ or, ‘That outfit fits your body nicely,’” said former Rep. Paula Hawks, D-Hartford. “These are things I would never walk up to my male colleague and say.”...............................

Read more: http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2017/10/21/sexism-statehouse-women-detail-harassment-pierre/780144001/

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Link to tweet

After two women came forward with stories of sexual harassment or assault in Pierre last week, Argus Leader Media interviewed dozens of women about their experiences working in a statehouse dominated by men. Half reported being a victim or witness to some form of harassment or inappropriate behavior by male colleagues — from lewd jokes to unwanted touches. Others described obstacles gaining the respect of male legislators and lobbyists. Wochit
Sexism in the StatehouseBuy Photo

(Photo: Argus Leader Media)

[iluvtennis]

1. Wow, sexual assault and rape being reported in the Capitol.

[SunSeeker]

2. "These are things I would never walk up to my male colleague and say."

If this ^^^^^ describes what you are about to say to a female colleague, DON'T SAY IT.

It's pretty simple.

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

3. This is nothing new for South Dakota...

... what is new is that it is being reported, and so far, no interns with new incidents to report.

[riversedge]

4. I am so glad these women are going public with their #metoo stories. I know it is very

difficult for them to do--and most likely there will be retaliation.

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

5. Yes...

... but let us not kid ourselves that it is going to change one seat in this bass ackwards state. "Anybody with an, "R", because my grandpa says so since way before anyone heard of Nixon".