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Assemblyman Angelo Morinello (Submitted photo)
Assemblyman Angelo Morinello (Submitted photo)

Morinello: No one is above human decency

Submitted

Wed, Mar 3rd 2021 02:00 pm

Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, R-C-I-Ref-Niagara Falls, issued the following statement on Wednesday:

As elected officials, we are expected to adhere to a number of rules, regulations and guidelines, spanning a range of issues. In fact, each year, every elected official, legislative staffer and state government employee is required to complete seminars on both ethics and sexual harassment. These programs are meant to reach every facet of government and ensure a safe, healthy and productive work environment no matter your position or ranking. Simply put, no one is above the law.

Respect, accountability and human decency are not merely recommendations for our public officers; it is an expectation, and one that has continuously eroded throughout this pandemic.

The New York State Assembly issues these rules annually, citing specific examples of conduct that is deemed sexual harassment, including:

√ Using sexual language or epithets;

√ Making comments about an individual's sexual prowess or deficiencies;

√ Making sexual jokes;

√ Engaging in flirtation and/or making sexual innuendos;

√ Touching, which may include brushing against the body, squeezing, hugging, massaging or patting;

√ Uttering sexually suggestive insults or obscene comments;

√ Making sexual gestures;

√ Coercing sexual acts; and

√ Asking questions about sexual activities.

The New York State Assembly policy prohibiting harassment, discrimination and retaliation defines prohibited harassment as: harassment directed at an individual on the basis of his or her race, color, sex, national origin, creed (including religion), sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria (called protected classes).

While people may sometimes make comments or jokes without intending harm or realizing their conduct is offensive to someone else, those actions can be unwanted and can create a level of discomfort and stress that interferes with the ability of employees to perform their duties. The law calls that situation a hostile work environment. New York state defines a hostile work environment as conduct, directed at individuals, based on their sex, which is sufficiently severe or pervasive as to interfere with their work environment, regardless of whether the person intended to offend.

Any member of the Assembly, legislative staff or auxiliary support staff who violates those rules would have been reprimanded or potentially unemployed by now. We, as elected officials, have an obligation to respect all persons and act in accordance with the policies we must adhere to, agree to and follow throughout our careers.

No one is granted special privileges to behave however they deem fit because of their position in government, and no one is above respecting others and treating those around you with compassion, thoughtfulness and respect.

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