A Nebraska lawmaker is under investigation for sexual harassment after reading a graphic account of rape on the floor of the Legislature. State Sen. Steve Halloran invoked a fellow senator's name while reading from the memoir 'Lucky' by Alice Sebold, causing controversy. The Legislature's Executive Board announced the investigation, with Sen. Ray Aguilar filing the harassment complaint.
The investigation aims to ensure a safe workplace environment for all members of the Legislature and staff. A panel of three lawmakers will oversee the investigation, hiring an outside investigator. A report is expected within 45 days.
During a debate on obscenity in libraries, Halloran read the graphic passage from Sebold's memoir, referencing Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh. Halloran later claimed he was referring to Cavanaugh's brother, Sen. John Cavanaugh. However, Cavanaugh expressed doubts, citing a prior encounter where Halloran shared the same passage.
The incident drew bipartisan backlash, with calls for Halloran's resignation. Sen. Julie Slama, who serves on the Executive Board, publicly shared her own experiences with sexual harassment and assault. Previous scandals in the Nebraska Legislature include Sen. Bill Kitner's resignation in 2017 and Sen. Mike Groene's abrupt departure in 2022.
Kitner resigned after retweeting a comment about participants in a women's march. Groene left his campaign for University of Nebraska Regent after admitting to taking inappropriate workplace photos of a female subordinate. The Legislature updated its policy on workplace harassment in response to these incidents.
