Gov. Edwards' Statement on House Failure to Pass Protections for Sexual Harassment Victims

Statement

Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards released the following statement on the failure of the House to pass HB 578, a bill designed to protect victims of sexual harassment in the workplace.

"I'm truly disheartened that the House voted today to continue the culture of silence that protects perpetrators of sexual harassment at the cost of their victims," said Gov. Edwards. "I commend Rep. Robert Johnson for his efforts on House Bill 578 and working to protect the victims of sexual harassment by keeping their fundamental rights in place and prohibiting forced arbitration as a condition of employment. This bill would not have eliminated arbitration, but rather would have ensured that an employee retained their right of access to the courts in sexual harassment claims. Sexual harassment should never be tolerated and victims should never be deprived of their day in court."

Source