Rhode Island

Authorities Launch Inquiry Into Rhode Island Statehouse Sexual Harassment

Rhode Island authorities say they have launched an "inquiry" after a lawmaker reported a higher-ranking legislator told her sexual favors would allow her bills to go further.

The attorney general's office and state police said Wednesday that they are working together to conduct a "review" and "inquiry" after Democratic state Rep. Teresa Tanzi came forward. The agencies said they would not make any further comment.

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin said earlier Wednesday he had spoken with police about the matter.

Tanzi declined to comment when asked about Kilmartin's action. She hasn't identified the legislator who made the comment.

She says the reason she came forward was to bring light to the subject of sexual harassment. She says it isn't about examining what happened but about understanding shortcomings in the law.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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