Update 3:07 PM
Top Republicans in the North Dakota House called today (Fri) for GOP state Rep. Luke Simons to resign following a report that alleges a pattern of threats and sexual harassment.
House Majority Leader Chet Pollert and others in leadership said if Simons doesn’t resign, the Legislature weigh options including explusion.
Lawyers for the Legislature documented allegations against Simons.
Legislative Council Director John Bjornson said he decided to release the documents following an incident Tuesday at the Capitol cafeteria where Simons accosted a pair of Democratic lawmakers in profane language over a disagreement about wearing a mask.
A person at Simons’ home said today (Fri) that he is not speaking to media.
AP
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Original post:
GOP leaders in the North Dakota House have called for Rep. Luke Simons to resign.
This, amid reports that the Republican from Dickinson has been accused of a pattern of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by some female employees of the Legislative Council and some female legislators.
In one claim earlier this week, a Fargo lawmaker said Simons used the “F” word and said “You’re not my mother” when she asked him to wear a face covering while at the Capitol.
Yesterday (Thu), Simons said he respects women and called the claims false.
House Majority Leader Chet Pollert… Assistant Majority Leader Scott Louser… and House Caucus Chair Representative Glenn Bosch issued a statement today (Fri)… saying Simons’ actions this week were wrong.
They added — quote — “many more instances of troubling and inappropriate behavior have come to our attention.”
The statement continued — quote – “sexual harassment in any form is unacceptable and accusing staff and fellow legislators of lying about harassment is inexcusable.”
The statement said, while they have previously worked with various individuals to resolve issues with Simons’ behavior, it is clear further action must be taken.
The three called on Simons to resign, and said, if he refuses, they will weigh options, including expulsion.
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ND House leadership release:
House Leadership Calls for Resignation of Representative Simons
The actions of Representative Simons this week were wrong. In investigating this incident, many more instances of troubling and inappropriate behavior have come to our attention.
Sexual harassment in any form is unacceptable and accusing staff and fellow legislators of lying about harassment is inexcusable. Information provided to us by Legislative Council this week, as well as Representative Simons’ subsequent actions, show a pattern of behavior that we do not tolerate and that violate our rules against workplace harassment.
Assistant Leader Louser and I have always encouraged anyone with concerns about inappropriate behavior to come talk to us and to file a complaint if they so choose. While we have previously worked with various individuals to resolve issues with Representative Simons’ inappropriate behavior, it is clear further action must be taken. Therefore, as of today, we are calling on Representative Simons to resign from his seat. Should he refuse, the legislature will weigh all the information and options, including expulsion, and make a determination when we reconvene after crossover. We want to make clear that this behavior will not be accepted at the Legislature.
We will also be establishing a more formal reporting process between Leadership and Legislative Council that will increase awareness of instances involving legislators while also preserving victim confidentiality.
The legislature is committed to providing the most professional and comfortable work environment for legislators and staff to do their jobs for the people of North Dakota. We will continue to do whatever is necessary to ensure that.
Majority Leader Chet Pollert
Assistant Majority Leader Scott Louser
House Caucus Chair Representative Glenn Bosch
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