Broadside: Mass. Lawmakers on Swift Movement

(NECN) - "Swift" and "unanimous" are not words often associated with Beacon Hill, but Thursday was an exception.

Following the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's decision, the Senate and House of Representatives sprung into action to pass a bill outlawing the taking of photographs up the skirts of women in public.

Democratic Rep. William Straus of Mattapoisett and Republican Sen. Bob Hedlund of Weymouth, joined Jim Braude on Broadside to discuss the movement.

"I think we did the right thing, because there had been a sense within the legislature before that this kind of conduct had been criminalized - was already subject to criminal penalty," said Straus. "The statute fell short of that, so our prompt response is something I'm actually proud of."

"I think process is important, and I digress on this a little bit," said Hedlund. "We could have adhered to the process and still done this in a timely fashion. And there are other issues out there that demand as much attention as this, and demand us doing something in a timely fashion, and it's not getting this kind of attention."

Hedlund stated that a woman in his district was a stalking victim and tried to get the law changed seven years ago, voicing his frustration in action being taken only after this case garnered attention.

Additionally, the lawmakers also discussed the legality of commercial drones.

Copyright NECNMIGR - NECN
Contact Us