HJ0083 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0083 LRB100 15317 MST 30271 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The recent stream of #METOO in news feeds on social media sites has encouraged women to publicly acknowledge acts ranging from micro-aggressions to pure viciousness; and

WHEREAS, Every industry has its own version of the 'casting couch', and in Illinois, women who work in government and politics are painfully aware that sexism and misogyny are alive and well; and

WHEREAS, It has been reported and secretly known for some time that some male legislators, lobbyists, and staffers use their influence and power inappropriately when interacting with female legislators, lobbyists, and staffers; and

WHEREAS, No woman should have to contend with anyone who intimates that her professional assent is solely dependent on how quickly she responds to unwanted advances; and

WHEREAS, No female legislator, lobbyist, legislative staffer or campaign worker should feel abused, threatened, extorted, or forced to engage in sex while doing their job; and

WHEREAS, With each act of aggression, a woman internalizes the idea that she is not enough, that she somehow deserves this, that the only way to get ahead is to endure this type of dehumanizing behavior, with a smile no less; and

WHEREAS, It is a truly exhausting and an utterly defeating way to live, and no woman should have to endure it, especially under the guise of doing public work; and

WHEREAS, When women choose to leave careers in public service due to harassment and sexual misconduct, all Illinoisans suffer the loss of their commitment to creating a better Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Every woman in every industry, regardless of age, race, physical appearance, gender expression, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation, has a #METOO story; and

WHEREAS, Many women have not felt safe enough to share on social media because the truth can still cost you your career unless enough of us speak up; and

WHEREAS, Despite the fact that members of the General Assembly have adopted policies against sexual harassment in the workplace and training is available, the culture of harassment persists and extends beyond those subject to such policies; and

WHEREAS, The women of the Illinois General Assembly have been empowered by the brave women who represent us all and have taken a stand; and

WHEREAS, The time has come for us to raise our collective voices, share our stories, and say #NOMORE; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that those supporting this resolution are committed to saying #IWILL do better and I will work with my colleagues to change the culture that breeds such behavior; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the members of the General Assembly work to find solutions and ways to change the culture of sexual harassment in Springfield and throughout politics in Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That in this upcoming election cycle, we say #NOMORE and commit to challenging every elected official, every candidate, every staffer, and every participant in our democratic process who is culpable to do better and say #NOMORE; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to every member of the General Assembly, the Illinois Congressional Delegation, and the President of the United States.