The #MeToo movement has brought to light sexual abuse and exploitation of power across every industry, and certainly in politics. Over the past year, male legislators across party lines have resigned or been pushed out of office amid allegations of sexual harassment, groping, sexually assaulting underage girls, and even soliciting female aides to birth their children. Meanwhile, male legislators across party lines — namely Senators Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer — have been instrumental to rejecting or stalling sexual harassment reform bills that received unanimous support from female senators. In the Senate, Republican men paved the way for the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh by dismissing and discrediting the women who accused him of sexual assault and misconduct.
Electing more women will almost certainly have plenty of legislative benefits in the form of greater productivity, greater bipartisanship, and greater focus on important domestic policy areas. But it will also make Congress safer and reduce exploitation of power.
Image Source: Getty / Paul Morigi