Bucks Lawmaker Speaks Out After Failure to “Keep Capitol Safe”

Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaCredit: Commonwealth Media Services

HARRISBURG, PA — Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) offered the following statement Friday after the repeated news that an accused, alleged sexual harasser is “not being held accountable” by House Democrats, and following the failure of every House Democrat in voting against Ethics Rules to put institutional protections in place:

“As part of one of the largest freshman classes in recent memory and with now 61 female members in the House, I know I joined many of my colleagues in coming to Harrisburg with the goal of working together and getting things done for our constituents. I also believe I share their immense disappointment when we learned a credibly accused sexual harasser is allowed to freely walk around the Capitol building.

“Though much has been done to help advance women’s safety, especially in the halls of the state Capitol, it is clear there is much more to be done. I am disappointed news reports indicate the House Democratic Caucus leaders are taking no action to identify and hold accountable a member of their caucus who has been credibly accused of sexual harassment and are continuing to allow them free access to every corner of the Capitol.

“Not only do I and other female House colleagues I have spoken to feel unsafe, but every woman who enters this building is now at risk of unwanted touching, advances and comments from this individual. Yet, after Democrats yesterday universally rejected measures to hold sexual harassers accountable. I do not understand why we cannot work together to ensure we advance women’s safety in this, and every, workplace.

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“Since I was sworn in almost a month ago, while we have not been in session, I have learned from my House colleagues about the unfortunate dangers of Harrisburg.

“Now in addition to always having someone walk with me around outside of the Capitol complex for safety, I have to worry about a current male House member who is credibly alleged to have assaulted a female lobbyist.

“It is past time for Democrats to hold this person accountable and it is time for everyone who interacts with the Capitol building or lawmakers to stand together until this person is finally identified and held to account for their actions – to ensure women in the Capitol Complex are safe.”

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