House Republican women issued the following statement in response to ongoing reports regarding sexual harassment allegations against former State Representative Harry Benton, who recently resigned, and questions about the delayed handling of those allegations by House Speaker Emmanuel “Chris” Welch:
“To our female colleagues on the other side of the aisle – We are asking you to join us in demanding the truth. Your voices matter, your leadership matters, and your willingness to stand together can change the culture of this institution. Silence will only protect the status quo. As you meet with the Speaker, do not accept closed door excuses, we need public explanations and public change. This problem was created in backrooms, but it cannot be solved in backrooms.“
House Republican women include House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, Deputy Minority Leader Norine Hammond, Assistant Minority leaders Amy Elik and Jackie Haas, and State Representatives Regan Deering, Amy Grant, Nicole La Ha, and Jennifer Sanalitro.
More information on the latest report can be read here: Illinois Speaker Welch tries to contain fallout over handling of Harry Benton harassment allegations
