Ky. Gov calls for any elected official who has settled a sexual harassment claim to resign

Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin called on Saturday for elected officials and state employees who have settled sexual harassment claims to resign, saying such behavior falls below the moral standard expected of them.

“These allegations are, as I have said, reprehensible, they’re indefensible, they’re unacceptable. Period,” Bevin, a Republican, said at a news conference. 

“Given the severity of these, the specificity of these, the nature of these, I am calling on the immediate and for the immediate resignation of every individual who has settled a sexual harassment case, who is party to trying to hide this type of behavior.”

{mosads}

Bevin’s remarks came days after it was revealed that Kentucky House Speaker Jeff Hoover (R) recently settled a sexual harassment claim made by a female member of his staff.

Hoover is one among a growing number of lawmakers and public figures to face allegations of sexual harassment in recent weeks, after a New York Times report detailing accusations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein prompted others to speak publicly about their experiences with sexual harassment and assault.

Since then, allegations have been leveled against dozens of high-profile figures in media, business, politics and the entertainment industry. This week, multiple female current and former lawmakers in Washington and in state legislatures around the country came forward with their own stories of sexual harassment.

The accusations have prompted a wider debate about sexual misconduct, aggression and harassment that many have argued are part of a deeply entrenched culture in U.S. workplaces.