The Virginia House of Delegates on Thursday passed legislation mandating all members and staff of the General Assembly to participate in sexual harassment prevention training.
The bill, introduced by Republican Delegate Roxann Robinson (R-Chesterfield), was roundly praised as Republicans began taking proactive steps to protect and encourage women in the workplace.
However, after liberals have spent years screaming about a so-called “war on women” it was the Democrats were the ones who voted against the bill.
The move shocked even the most hardened cynics. Two Democrats who just recently unseated Republicans were among those who voted against the bill. Democrat Debra Rodman (against John O’Bannon) and Cheryl Turpin (against Rocky Holcomb) both voted to prevent Delegate Robinson’s sexual harassment prevention training from being implemented in the General Assembly.
The extensive course will be administered by the Clerk of the House and the Clerk of the Senate. Elected Delegates and Senators as well as all staff members of both bodies will be required to take the training courses upon hiring and every two years thereafter. This bill assures constituents elected leaders in Virginia take the issue seriously.
“The men and women who serve and work in the General Assembly are some of the most respected people I know,” said Robinson. “There is something to be said for Virginia that harassment reports are rare around Capitol Square. This legislation will make certain the reputation of this legislative body is always upheld,” she added.
Speaker of the House Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) has also taken a strong stance against sexual harassment. In the fall, Speaker Cox issued an open letter to the entire Capitol Square reminding the community of the expected level of professional conduct and highlighting the current reporting procedures in the employee handbook.
“I am proud of Delegate Robinson for her leadership on this piece of legislation,” said Speaker Cox. “Her bill ensures we are taking proactive steps to educate General Assembly members and staff on appropriate standards of conduct and reporting procedures. We believe everyone should be safe while on Capitol Square, as I strongly stated in my open letter to the community this fall,” he said.
House Republicans unanimously voted to require the sexual harassment prevention training. However, 10 Democrats voted against the bill. Governor Ralph Northam ensured a progressive agenda for this year’s session. It seems now that sexual harassment prevention training is not a part of it.
