Lawmaker: Sexual harassment culture still at Oregon Capitol

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A state senator says a culture of sexual harassment at the Oregon Capitol hasn’t improved more than a year after allegations surfaced that another senator sexually harassed two interns.

OPB reports that Democratic Sen. Sara Gelser made the comments on Friday to a panel charged with creating recommendations for the rules governing harassment in the Oregon Legislature.

The Bureau of Labor and Industries previously identified two interns who reported being sexually harassed while working for former Republican Sen. Jeff Kruse of Roseburg. Kruse resigned following the allegations, which he denied.

Gelser came forward with the allegations against Kruse. She says she has since dealt with retaliation and remains concerned for interns and legislative staffers who work in the Capitol building.

The panel meets again on Dec. 17.

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Information from: KOPB-, http://www.opb.org