As more formal complaints are filed, Colorado Capitol hindered by ‘secretive’ process

KUNC (Greeley): Westminster Rep. Faith Winter and other women who’ve worked at Colorado’s capitol have their #MeToo moments.

That movement began in early October when allegations of sexual misconduct against Hollywood filmmaker Harvey Weinstein resulted in women coming forward with their stories about harassment by powerful men in a variety of workplaces, including NPR.

Winter and others came forward publicly to KUNC this month, alleging at least three male lawmakers had engaged in sexual harassment.

“The Me Too movement has demonstrated how many women have been impacted by these types of actions,” said House Speaker Crisanta Duran, a Denver Democrat. “For far too long, at times there could be a good old boys club, which is absolutely unacceptable.”

But the allegations are also highlighting a secretive and likely little-used process that legislative leaders say needs to be improved.

The General Assembly’s workplace harassment policy prevents virtually anyone — except those who file a complaint or are charged with a violation — from talking about what’s going on.

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