Massachusetts lawmakers are responding to new allegations of sexual harassment at the State House.
Recent accounts of sexual harassment reported in the Boston Globe come from a dozen women, who say they've been subjected to the harassment for the last two decades.
This comes at a time when allegations of sexual harassment have been making headlines in politics and Hollywood.
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Friday, House Speaker Robert DeLeo ordered a review of house policies on sexual harassment and retaliation. He released the following statement:
"I am infuriated and deeply disturbed to hear that a dozen women who are professionally associated with the State House have described being sexually harassed while here. While I understand and support their desire to remain anonymous, the fact that victims fear the consequences to their careers of reporting the harassment is as upsetting as the harassment itself."
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Republican Governor Charlie Baker also released a statement Friday, saying "I am appalled and saddened to learn of recent reports on Beacon Hill and support the House's decision to review policies to create a safer environment and encourage reporting of any misconduct."
Gov. Baker also said the Executive Branch's Human Resources Dept. conducts an annual review of its policies, and is taking these allegations seriously.
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