Bipartisan legislation was recently introduced to prevent and respond to sexual harassment in Congress. The Member and Employee Training and Oversight on Congress Act, also known as Me Too, was named for the social media hashtag that spread as backlash to the sexual misconduct allegations made against numerous powerful men, beginning with Harvey Weinstein. The legislation also seeks to change the grueling process that is now in place for reporting incidents of sexual harassment. The current complex process often discourages victims from coming forward.
Sexual misconduct has long been an open secret on Capitol Hill, where everyone from lawmakers to interns have stories to tell. The new legislation would provide victims with more protection, including legal counsel. The counseling and mediation would be voluntary rather than mandatory, which is the current status quo. The new legislation would also protect congressional interns, who are not covered under the present policies. The Me Too movement is about the victims, and should protect the vulnerable, level the playing field, and create transparency. Since 1995, when the Office of Compliance was created to protect lawmakers from being exposed, there have been at least 260 settlements, at a cost of $15 million to taxpayers.
If you have experienced sexual harassment on the job, please call the Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C.. We will stand up for your rights, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us today at 215-569-1999 for a free consultation.
