LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Several female state lawmakers are calling for an overhaul of how the Nebraska Legislature handles sexual harassment investigations following the resignation of a male state senator who admitted he took photos of a female subordinate without her consent.
The half-dozen lawmakers on Tuesday recounted their own experiences of being groped, harassed and belittled. State Sen. Mike Groene abruptly resigned on Monday and abandoned his campaign to be a University of Nebraska Regent.
The Republican acknowledged Friday that he took photos of the legislative staffer in his office. But he said none were sexual in nature. The former staffer, Kristina Konecko, filed a complaint with the Legislature's Executive Board in which she described the photos as "objectifying and demeaning."
According to Nebraska State Patrol spokesman, Cody Thomas, NSP is opening an investigation into Groene's activities.
"After consultation with the Attorney General’s Office, NSP has opened an investigation into the matter. Once complete, the findings will be delivered to the Attorney General," Thomas told 3 News Now in an email.
3 News Now reporter, Jessika Eidson will have more on the debate on Tuesday's legislative speeches during the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. Female senators from across the political spectrum spoke about their experiences with unwanted sexual objectification, harassment and assault on the floor of the Unicameral.
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