INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana House of Representatives passed its new sexual harassment policy Thursday, similar to the one passed by the Indiana Senate a few weeks ago.
The new policy changes the current code of ethics for members of the House of Representatives by defining sexual harassment, barring any representative from sexual contact with a paid or unpaid intern, and describes the investigative process the House ethics committee would take if a harassment complaint is filed.
The House policy defined sexual harassment as:
(1) "Sexual harassment" means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature by a member when:
(A) submission to or rejection of the conduct or silence concerning the conduct is:
(i) made either explicitly or implicitly a condition of an individual's employment or an individual's performance as an independent contractor under a contract with the legislative branch of Indiana state government;
(ii) used as the basis for employment or other contract decisions with the legislative branch of Indiana state government; or
(iii) made either explicitly or implicitly a condition for or used as a basis for decisions concerning support of or opposition to legislative initiatives, access to a legislator, or other opportunities related to the functions of the legislative branch of Indiana state government;
(quid pro quo violation); or
(B) the conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive and objectionable that it interferes with or limits an individual's ability to participate in or benefit from the legislative or work programs or activities of the legislative branch of Indiana state government (hostile environment violation).
The policy, also like its Senate counterpart, bars representatives from any sexual contact with an intern, even if the contact is consensual.
If a complaint is filed against a House member, the ethics committee will conduct an investigation. The committee will present the findings and recommendations to the Speaker of the House, the Minority Leader and on the legislative website.
The ethics committee passed the rules change on Tuesday. The full House passed it Thursday with a brief voice vote, meaning names and exact count of the votes aren’t recorded.
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