For Immediate Release
July 7, 2017

Media Contact:
Angela Allmond, Communications Director
Oklahoma Democratic Party
405-536-2417

Sexual Assault Violates Core Oklahoma Democratic Party Values

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Democratic Party is deeply troubled by complaints of sexual wrongdoing against yet another Republican leader, State Senator Bryce Marlatt of Woodward, currently under investigation for sexually assaulting a female Uber driver–a young woman who was just trying to do her job.

Oklahomans rightly expect their elected officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and should be able to trust that sitting legislators won’t violate the state’s sex crime laws.

The ODP applauds the Senate’s quick action to strip Senator Marlatt of his three leadership positions pending further investigation.

However, Republican leaders must do more to recognize how a culture of sexual misconduct can take root and flourish.

It is absolutely clear that Oklahoma’s Republican-led legislature has a problem with this, and the leadership teams in both chambers have an obligation to address it.

Steps have to be taken to stop this. Improvements have to be made in the training lawmakers receive on their conduct both inside and outside the Capitol. The message simply has to get through: sexual harassment, child prostitution, and sexual assault cannot be acceptable forms of behavior in our public servants.

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For more information about the Oklahoma Democratic Party, visit the party website at okdlive.wpengine.com, or call party headquarters at 405-427-3366.