In a vote with great symbolic importance for women facing harassment from those in positions of power, the Colorado House of Representatives voted 52-9 to expel Steve Lebsock from the House yesterday. All 36 Democrats were joined by 16 Republicans in voting for his expulsion, easily clearing the 2/3 majority requirement. The historic vote was only the second time in history that the Colorado House has expelled a member — the first in more than 100 years.
Lebsock faced multiple complaints for sexual harassment from others who worked at the Capitol (staff, lobbyist, and legislator). 11 complaints were filed by 5 women, including Rep. Faith Winter (D-Westminster) over an incident at a holiday party where Lebsock repeatedly propositioned her and at one point grabbed her elbow. It was not an easy decision for her — Lebsock was a fellow Democratic legislator and her initial reaction was to overlook his actions, write them off as his having had a few too many to drink — and she knew she would face attacks and efforts to victim-blame her (she did). In the end, Rep. Winter came forward in significant part because as a legislator she had power and influence that other accusers lacked, and could help ensure that other victims’ voices were heard.
One of those was former legislative staffer Cassie Tanner, who reported multiple episodes of harassment. A friend of mine witnessed one of these incidents at a party, when Lebsock reached over and unbuttoned the top button of her shirt, saying “that’s better,” and then laughed as she slapped his hand away.
It wasn’t clear at the start of the day that the final vote would end up with Lebsock’s expulsion. Many Republicans expressed concern with the adequacy of the process leading up to the vote, and wanted to convene a formal ethics panel to review the matter (and some Rs probably thought there could be political advantage in keeping a Democrat accused of sexual misconduct in the legislature and the public eye).
Lebsock pulled out the usual harasser’s bag of tricks in attacking his accusers and trying to discredit them by sharing information about their sexual history. He sent each of his colleagues a 28-page letter responding to the allegations — and through it, retaliating against Rep. Winter.
“Even sending something out to other legislators or sending something out to the entire workplace is breeching confidentiality,” said Brie Franklin, the executive director of the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault. “This is a fear why victims don’t want to report and have someone publicly share information like that.” www.kunc.org/...
Ultimately, it may have been his response that sealed Lebsock’s fate. Multiple Republicans indicated that their vote for expulsion was in significant part due to Lebsock’s retaliation against those who had filed the complaints. Assistant Minority Leader Cole Wist (R-Centennial) said:
“There is a correct way to fight back and an incorrect way to fight back. He was he going to defend himself through the process, through the policy that we have. … And faced with that decision, Rep. Lebsock … sent this document to all of us.” www.denverpost.com/...
And that may be one of the most important results of the historic vote: the Colorado House sent a clear message that smearing an accuser will not be tolerated as the way to respond to harassment allegations. It was a vital affirmation for the many talented women who serve as legislators, staff and lobbyists at the Colorado capitol. As Rep. Winter said, “all of the women in this building that didn’t know if they could be treated for their minds and their ideas and their policy ideas: You won today, your voices matter.” For Tanner, the result was surprising but affirming:
“I came in here today expecting a very different result, and I’m relieved and grateful,” she said. “My faith was just restored in this place that I Iove.” www.denverpost.com/...
Let’s hope that this vote continues to build momentum for safe and respectful workplaces — and for repudiation of the all-too-common victim-blaming tactics that face those who have the courage to speak out.
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One other quick note:
As a final act (of defiance? a last f*** you to his Democratic colleagues?) Lebsock changed his registration from Democrat to Republican immediately prior to the vote to expel him. As a result, it appears that a Republican vacancy committee will get to name his replacement rather than a Democratic vacancy committee for his district as had been expected. Because any appointee faces election this November, and as the Democrats currently hold a solid 36-28 majority in the House (with the one newly created vacancy), the move doesn’t affect Colorado’s balance of political power.