A jury has found a former New Hampshire state lawmaker guilty of sexually harassing a Statehouse secretary. But the jury put more of the blame on the Republican House leaders for how they responded to her complaint. New Hampshire Public Radio’s Raquel Maria Dillon has more.
The Merrimack County Superior Court jury awarded Dorothy Pike lost wages plus 175-thousand dollars in damages – with former Salem Representative Ronald Giordano to pay 45%, and the House of Representatives to pay 55%. In 2001, Dorothy Pike reported that Giordano groped her, told dirty jokes, and made threatening phone calls to her home. The jury found that House officials did not act promptly to protect her, never disciplined Giordano, and retaliated against Pike. Pike says she’s very relieved and hopeful that her case will prompt the Legislature to institute a better sexual harassment policy.
PIKE :05 I believe the victory today was a victory for women at the statehouse. Not just my victory.
The Attorney General’s office argued that House officials tried to keep Giordano away from Pike, but her request for privacy tied their hands.
Pike’s attorney, Tom Closson, says the jury didn’t buy that argument, and based their verdict on the principle that people who report sexual harassment should be guaranteed both privacy and a thorough investigation.
CLOSSON :11 we’re glad that they took care of Dottie’s situation. We do think they need a policy that specifically applies to members of House. That seems to me like it would be a good place to start.
Senior Assistant Attorney General Nancy Smith says the A-G’s office could appeal. The state might argue that the jury did not understand that the state constitution limits the power that House leaders have over elected officials.
SMITH :23 I think it’s very imp that legislators maintain independence to do what they think is the right thing. It’s hard to balance that with a desire that legislators be responsible models of good behavior. I think that was a difficult concept to describe.
The Attorney General’s office changed the House’s sexual harassment policy after the Giordano incident was reported. Previously, the policy applied to lawmakers, the new policy applies only to Statehouse staff.
House Speaker Gene Chandler – who testified in the trial – said he was surprised and disappointed. He said the verdict is not supported by the law and he’s consulting with the attorney general about an appeal.
For NHPR News, I’m RMD.
