Sex predators: witch-hunts are not the answer
It’s only right that allegations of sexual misconduct and assault brought against people in politics, and others in dominant positions within society, should be fully and carefully investigated so that victims can receive justice. Recent events have suggested there is a backlash against conduct hitherto deemed acceptable but no longer considered to be so.
However, the tragic death of Welsh Assembly member Carl Sargeant, against whom some allegations of misconduct were made, must surely inject a measure of caution. Some people may turn out to be entirely innocent and are entitled to be treated within the concepts of natural justice until proven otherwise. There is no room for witch-hunts, nor kangaroo courts, to prove political points. Bob MacDougall, Kippen, Stirlingshire The current climate of historic sexual harassment claims against public male figures is, frankly, getting silly. A man soon won’t be able to smile at a woman without potentially facing an accusation of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ (providing, of course, his career and/or wealth are worth destroying)! It’s ironic that such institutions as men’s clubs and men-only golf clubs, previously attacked by sexual-equality zealots, will soon multiply so as to provide a refuge from career- and wealth-threatening claims by oversensitive, publicity-seeking ladies.
Kevin Coley, Leicester The pursuit of sexual harassment cases is biased against men. I was the target of suggestive behaviour in public from a woman. It was perceived as harmless fun, but if the tables had been turned there would have been trouble.
John Mallon, Cefn-Coedy-Cymmer, South Wales One aspect of powerful people sexually harassing employees that troubles me is that when the victims complain, they end up leaving their jobs under a ‘compromise agreement’, involving them signing away their right to talk about what happened. But this means that no light is shone on how the employer has behaved, so nothing is learned.
One of Harvey Weinstein’s victims, Zelda Perkins, is breaking the agreement she signed so she can debate the issue. Hopefully this will lead to the end of ‘nondisclosure agreements’ as we know them. No one should have to sign away their right to talk. Amy McKeown, Founder, Xanthis Online, London