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Resolution Filed to Censure Nebraska Republican for Inappropriate Behavior
A resolution to censure a Nebraska Republican was filed on Wednesday evening after he repeatedly inserted a colleague’s name into a book passage containing graphic details about a rape during a floor debate.
Details of the Incident
Nebraska Republican state Senator Steve Halloran referenced a colleague while reading a rape scene during a debate on a bill aimed at banning obscenity and pornography in K-12 schools. The bill, opponents argue, is redundant as such materials are already illegal, as reported by the Nebraska Examiner.
During the debate, Halloran read excerpts from “Lucky” by Alice Sebold, which detailed a rape the author had survived in college. It’s worth noting that “Lucky” was among the most banned books in the country during the 2021-2022 school year.
Senator’s Response
State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh objected to Halloran’s actions, stating that women in the legislature have faced sexual violence and expressing her discomfort with the mention of her name in connection with the graphic content. While Halloran claimed it was directed at her brother, Cavanaugh refuted this notion, emphasizing the offensive nature of the incident.
Censure and Investigation
An investigation under the Nebraska Legislature’s workplace harassment policy was initiated against Halloran, and a resolution to censure him was filed following the inappropriate reading of the rape scene. Cavanaugh stressed the need to prevent further victimization of sexual assault survivors and urged the legislature to uphold decency.
It is crucial to address such behavior promptly and decisively to maintain a respectful and professional environment.
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