Hoosier Lawmakers will now have a Sexual Harassment Policy

Sorry to just be writing on this now have been busy with work and personal life. Back on March 22, 2018 Tony Cook penned a column about state lawmakers and some changes in regards to sexual harassment as it applies to the legislators.

Mr. Cook reports:

The overhaul (to the legislative branches sexual harassment laws and policies) comes amid a wave of sexual misconduct allegations against powerful men in Hollywood, sports, media and politics. Allegations against lawmakers in other states have forced some to resign, lose leadership posts or face disciplinary action. 

But until now, lawmakers themselves have not been governed by any specific policy. 

House Enrolled Act 1309 will require lawmakers to establish a sexual harassment policy for themselves by Nov. 20, including how allegations will be investigated. It also requires all 150 lawmakers to complete one hour of sexual harassment training each year.

The new policies will be based on recommendations from a legislative panel that includes the top Democrat and Republican from each chamber, plus four other lawmakers appointed by each leader. The leaders, who are all men, said they intended to appoint female lawmakers to the four additional positions on the panel to ensure that women have a voice in crafting the policy.

As you all know Indiana Legislators are no stranger to inappropriate behavior. Who can forget how “Stud Jud” McMillin the for State House Majority Leader was forced to resign because he got hammered and sent out a sex video on his cell phone? Gary Welsh of Advance Indiana fame wrote extensively about old Jud. Rumors were even circulating that the video might be in the running for an adult film award. Or former State Representative Eric Turner who flagrantly used his position to enrich his family’s nursing home business? Or the ownership stake Turner had in a building in Marion, Indiana which was leased by ACS to be a welfare call center? Or the rumors we at IR hear all the time about some Hoosier Lawmakers who preach the sanctity of marriage and yet cheat on their spouses? Eric Turner was Speaker Pro Tempore of the State House. Number Two to House Speaker Brian Bosma. Fellow lawmakers knew of Turner’s problems for years but did nothing until shamed into doing so. Word is Turner may have been using information he had on other lawmakers to get out of trouble. 

INDY REPUBLICAN is hoping that these law changes will crackdown on sexual harassment in the state legislature, but we won’t hold our breath waiting.