Dem Rep. Reportedly Suggested Some Women’s Clothing Can Be ‘Invitation’ to Harassment

A female Democratic lawmaker reportedly shocked fellow congressmembers over comments she made earlier today about the clothing worn by some female members and staffers.

Ohio Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur was part of the Democratic Caucus meeting discussing harassment among the growing focus on misconduct from members of Congress. And per Politico, Kaptur said the following:

“I saw a member yesterday with her cleavage so deep it was down to the floor,” Kaptur said, according to the sources present. “And what I’ve seen…it’s really an invitation.” The comments left many others in the room stunned, the sources said.

Kaptur said women on Capitol Hill should have to abide by a stricter dress code, like those adopted by the military or corporations.

She continued, “I have been appalled at some of the dress of…members and staff. Men have to wear ties and suits.”

Kaptur later released this statement to Politico for their report:

“When I was first elected to Congress my office and I became a refuge for female staffers who had been mistreated by their bosses. Some of them in tears many days. It is something I carry with me to this day and something I brought up during our Caucus meeting,” she said. “Under no circumstances is it the victim’s fault if they are harassed in any way. I shared the stories from my time here in the context of the ‘Me Too’ legislation and how we can elevate the decorum and the dress code to protect women from what is a pervasive problem here and in society at large.”

[image via screengrab]

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