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By KURTIS RATTAY A group of Democratic state Senate hopefuls on Thursday demanded fixes in the way leaders in Albany deal with in-government sexual harassment cases, charging that present policies protected perpetrators while costing taxpayers millions on out-of-court settlements. The group, which gathered on the steps of City Hall, especially focused on the shortcomings of the New York Senate’s attempted overhaul of a 10-year-old sexual harassment policy. “I think I speak for everybody here today in saying I can’t believe its 2018 and we have to have a press conference to talk about sensible sexual harassment policy,” said Jessica Ramos, candidate for the Queens district now represented by Sen. Jose Peralta. Over 1,000 people have complained of sexual harassment in state government since 2012, according to a Politico investigation that cites “court filings, payment records and official figures.” The state paid out about $6.4 million in those harassment settlements, the news site reported. “If you pay taxes in this state, pay attention to what is happening,” said Alessandra Biaggi, candidate for the district now represented by renegade politician Jeffrey Klein, leader of a group of Democratic lawmakers who caucus with the Republicans and who himself has been accused of sexual misconduct. “You are paying for men in suits to do as they see fit, putting their staff in unwanted situations and charging you for the bill.” The candidates demanded it be made easier for victims to come forward, and for the State Senate to believe workers who suffer under the current policy. “The State Senate leadership, John Flanagan and Jeff Klein—who was recently accused of forcibly kissing ex-staffer—failed to update the Senate’s sexual harassment policy,” Biaggi said. “Instead we got a comment intended to further silence and intimidate victims.” The updated policy, which came out in early January, warns to those coming forward that “reporting a false complaint is a serious act.” Those making false accusations are subject to disciplinary actions or termination, the policy said. However, the policy did broaden the definition of harassment and include more class of people protected against discrimination. “A strong sexual harassment policy is one that includes women in leadership such as Andrea Stewart Cousins,” Ramos said. “Instead we got a rushed policy written by republicans behind closed doors. We shouldn’t be surprised that the policy is tone deaf because it includes an intimidating warning for victims, and because none of the victims or women in leadership helped write it.” The candidates’ demands come during the #MeToo movement, which has given sexual harassment victims a voice and touched most institutions in the country. Photo of Alessandra Biaggi by Kurtis Rattay |
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