DeLeo defends Beacon Hill’s use of nondisclosures

Speaker Robert A. DeLeo downplayed the controversial use of nondisclosure agreements — denying they were used extensively, but admitting they’re “just part of doing business” — a day after two state reps publicly called him out on the House floor for silencing tactics.

DeLeo, after delivering a speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce yesterday, told reporters none of the 33 nondisclosure agreements were related to sexual harassment in the House of Representatives.

“I think if you take a look in terms of a place the size of the Massachusetts House of Representatives over the years, I’m not sure of that many, if you come right down to it, there are about 18 of them that really could be looked at over the 10 years I’ve been there — two a year, maybe, but again, I think that I don’t see it as being extensive,” he said.

DeLeo praised reps for approving what he called tough anti-sexual harassment guidelines.

“I’m hoping that people will remember that yesterday we passed unanimously a bill that’s probably the strongest in the country and probably the most reasonable and best attempt being made by anyone to try to address the sexual harassment issue,” DeLeo said.

But that passage came after a tense and dramatic House session Thursday, where two reps lambasted DeLeo in a rare challenge to authority in the top-heavy power structure of Beacon Hill.

In powerful testimony, state Rep. Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen) recalled reps gossiping about her romantic life after she was seen alone in the House chamber with a state rep when she was a legislative aide during a late-night party in DeLeo’s office — even though she claimed nothing happened and an independent probe ruled out any wrongdoing. DiZoglio also accused DeLeo’s office of holding up her severance pay unless she signed a non-disparagement agreement.

DeLeo said he only first heard of DiZoglio’s ordeal on Wednesday.

“If that’s what she went through, then I feel very badly that that’s what happened,” DeLeo said.

On the House floor Thursday, state Rep. Angelo Scaccia (D-Boston) mocked DeLeo for skipping the sexual harassment debate.

“Mr. Speaker, where are you?” Scaccia said. “Come out. Come out of your office.”