Maryland House approves stronger sexual harassment policies
Source: Associated Press
Brian Witte, Associated Press
Updated 6:02 pm, Monday, March 19, 2018
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The Maryland House of Delegates voted unanimously Monday to strengthen the General Assembly's policies on sexual harassment to cover lobbyists and create a framework for an independent investigator to handle complaints.
Earlier this month, a state senator accused a lobbyist of inappropriately touching her in a bar near the statehouse. The lobbyist has denied the allegations. Also this month, three female state lawmakers publicly discussed sexual harassment they've experienced while working in the statehouse.
Del. Ariana Kelly, who sponsored the measure, said discussions about improving the policies began in the fall of 2016, when five female lawmakers first talked with each other about some of their experiences in the state capital.
"We realized we had some shared similar experiences, and we thought that breaking the silence would really increase our power, which we have seen in the #MeToo movement," Kelly, a Democrat, said while explaining her vote.
Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Maryland-House-approves-stronger-sexual-12765078.php