Pols take aim at workplace sex abuse

ALBANY — The GOP-controlled state Senate on Monday easily approved legislation to crack down on sexual harassment in the workplace.

Crafted in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the #MeToo movement, the legislation, for the first time, writes into state law a definition of sexual harassment that would apply to all governments and businesses.

The measure, which also would prohibit mandatory arbitration for sexual harassment complaints, was approved in a 56-to-2 vote.

The Senate’s action sets the stage for three-way negotiations with Gov. Cuomo and the Democratic-controlled Assembly as they work to include sexual harassment provisions in the new state budget.

The state’s fiscal year is set to begin on April 1.