Republican Congress Trent Franks resigns amid sexual harassment probeTop Stories

December 08, 2017 18:14
Republican Congress Trent Franks resigns amid sexual harassment probe

(Image source from: time.com)

Arizona:

Congressman Trent Franks, the dean of Arizona's House Republicans, announces that he would step down on Jan 31st 2018 amid the sexual harassment case probe against him. He was upset at the House Ethics Committee investigation against him which stated he was engaged in a sexual harassment case.

These complaints stated that he asked two of his female staff members to be a surrogate to bear his children. he also stated that he and his wife had struggled with fertility issues to the question came up about surrogacy and he regretted that these conversations with his two female subordinates caused distress among them.

“Due to my familiarity and experience with the process of surrogacy, I clearly became insensitive as to how the discussion of such an intensely personal topic might affect others,” Mr. Franks said. He also denied that he ever “physically intimidated, coerced, or had, or attempted to have, any sexual contact with any member of my congressional staff.”

The Ethics committee released a statement Thursday evening stating that it had opened an investigation into whether Mr Franks was involved in any sexual misconduct, also stating whether Mr Frank was “engaged in conduct that constitutes sexual harassment and/or retaliation for opposing sexual harassment.”

Mr Franks stated that he would step aside for the investigation, end of Jan 2018 and he stated, “I have recently learned that the Ethics Committee is reviewing an inquiry regarding my discussion of surrogacy with two previous female subordinates, making each feel uncomfortable. I deeply regret that my discussion of this option and process in the workplace caused distress”

"It is with the greatest sadness, that for the sake of the causes I deeply love, I must now step back from the battle I have spent over three decades fighting," Franks' statement said later. “I hope my resignation will remain distinct from the great gains we have made”.

He also added that his time as a Republican in Congress, serving his constituents, America and the Constitution, will remain one of God's greatest gift to him in his life

                       Image credit: japantimes.co.jp

“I clearly became insensitive as to how the discussion of such an intensely personal topic might affect others,” he said in the statement. “I deeply regret that my discussion of this option and process in the workplace caused distress.”

Franks who is 60 year old said he takes "full and personal responsibility" regarding the way he discussed surrogacy with his female staff members.

Franks is an eight-term Republican and he is a self proclaimed conservative, follower of President Ronald Reagan. He has established his reputation as a pro-life member who is extremely vocal. He also serves on the House Armed Services Committee and Judiciary committee. And he is an active member of the conservative Republican Study Committee.

By Minu Manisha

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