House harassment policy has ‘weaknesses,’ ‘potential for abuse,’ say MPs, after Bezan-Romanado controversy

MPs urged careful use or a re-examination of the House of Commons' relatively new and lightly-tested harassment policy, after a kerfuffle over a lewd remark from one MP spilled into the House last week.

A controversial apology by Conservative MP James Bezan in the House of Commons last week for an off-colour joke made towards Liberal MP Sherry Romanado prompted MPs to reflect on the House of Commons' sexual harassment policy, and the intersection of politics and sexual harassment. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia, The Hill Times file photograph

News

BY ABBAS RANA, LAURA RYCKEWAERT, PETER MAZEREEUW

December 11, 2017

MPs are split over whether the House's sexual harassment policy could be misused for political gains, with some dismissing the idea and others warning of the risks in play. "We're living in a political environment, and so any kind...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Today’s Headlines Newsletter

Your quick scan of the news you need each weekday to be the smartest person in the room.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy