It seems that every week we are rocked with new allegations of sexual improprieties by men in positions of power. The rumours of sexual misconduct in politics, business, theatre, Hollywood and universities is not new. Rumours have circulated in some quarters for decades without action. But things have changed. The allegations are now being treated much more seriously and with these allegations comes immediate serious consequences.
Many of the accused villains are being forced from their positions without any charges being levied, without due process, with no opportunity to face their accusers or clear their names. Our justice system is based on being innocent until proven guilty. The court of public opinion and social media offer no such checks and balances.
This week two Canadian politicians were forced from political leadership jobs after allegations of sexual misconduct; Ontario Progressive Conservative leader Patrick Brown and Nova Scotia PC leader Jamie Baillie. A third, Calgary MP Kent Hehr, resigned from his cabinet post following similar allegations against him.
The #metoo movement is being credited with the change as the sheer numbers of women are coming forward to say these things happened to them as well. It is a good thing that women individually and collectively are finding their voices and finally being heard. We need to pay attention and respond to these individual and collective complaints. We also must be wary after decades of little to no response to suddenly allowing the court of public opinion to deliver its verdict with automatic guilt.
St. Albert MLA Marie Renaud and MP Michael Cooper both say that sexual harassment and misconduct, while not new, is wrong. They say they are glad it is being called out.
However, Cooper said while allegations must be taken seriously, those who are accused deserve due process.
“It is equally important that individuals that are accused of sexual misconduct and harassment receive due process,” Cooper said.
Cooper is right. Complaints about sexual improprieties need to be taken seriously and investigated fully in all cases.
The fact that Parliament Hill is now discussing a process to investigate complaints is a good first step. Other workplaces should follow suit. The fact that many such allegations like this have not been taken seriously in the past is the very reason we are at this place in our history. There is no going back.
Renaud said women are coming forward in solidarity and finding safety in numbers. "There is no going back. There is no unhearing these stories.”
It was wrong when complaints of sexual improprieties were kept quiet or swept under the rug. The fact that these complaints are being taken more seriously is a good thing. Rushing to pronouncements of guilt without due process is not acceptable either.
If anything this should put all of us on notice that sexual misconduct will not be tolerated, that it will be fully investigated and perpetrators will be held accountable.
Sexual misconduct is wrong. So is considering allegations of sexual misconduct automatic pronouncements of guilt. Let's take this as the wake up call to take both issues seriously.
