Mediator to handle Oregon Legislature civil rights complaint

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries says it will pursue mediation over a civil rights complaint against the state Legislature, whose leaders were accused of allowing harassment to persist.

In a statement Friday, the agency said representatives of the Legislature requested the conciliation process, which will be overseen by a neutral mediator. The first meeting will occur at the end of the month.

State Sen. Jeff Kruse resigned last year amid accusations he repeatedly inappropriately touched women in the Capitol.

Both House Speaker Tina Kotek and Senate President Peter Courtney have pledged to make the Capitol a safe workplace free of harassment. They said they expect recommendations by the Oregon Law Commission aimed at achieving that will be swiftly implemented.