Illinois State Politics could be the latest area to see sunlight when it comes to sexual harassment. 

 

An open letter, signed by 130 individuals including lawmakers and lobbyists, is being distributed around the capitol. It claims sexual harassment runs rampant in the Illinois political scene and like we've seen in Hollywood, the letter writers are urging women and their allies to come forward. 

 

No one is accused by name in the letter, but the letter discusses incidents involving male legislators and a chamber laeader. The letter claims, like Hollywood, Illinois politics has its version of the casting couch. 

 

House Speaker Michael Madigan released a statement. 

 

“Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace. For a number of years, every member of the House has been required to certify that they develop and enforce a sexual harassment policy for their offices and staff. They will continue to do so. However, we can and should do more to ensure no individual is the target of sexual harassment in the Capitol or anywhere else.

 

“Because harassment thrives in silence, we are continually working to eliminate all forms of harassment from our Statehouse and our legislative offices. With this in mind, we will be advancing legislation that will require everyone—from legislators, to staff, to lobbyists—to complete yearly comprehensive sexual harassment training. We will also be requiring lobbyists develop and submit their own sexual harassment policies, just as legislators currently do.

 

“I have directed staff to conduct a thorough review of all existing policies related to this issue and to continue identifying further changes that can and should be made.”