HOW WE GOT THE STORY

Editor’s note: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has been reporting on the issue of sexual harassment in the Legislature and state government for several months. We began digging shortly after news began to break across the country about sexual harassment in government and industry.

Requests for information about sexual harassment complaints were rejected by the state House and Senate. The Legislature has exempted itself from the Open Records Act and has chosen not to make information public, which would be allowed regardless of the law. Other state agencies must provide records about complaints and their resolution, including whether taxpayer money was used to resolve them.

In December, the AJC sent emails to more than 240 lawmakers and 280 registered lobbyists whose contact information is listed in state directories asking whether any had experienced or witnessed sexual harassment and wanted to share details in an anonymous form or an interview.

The letter said: We know this is a difficult subject to talk about and many individuals who have faced or witnessed harassment may be reluctant to speak up for fear that their livelihoods and reputations will be hurt. But problems that remain hidden cannot be solved.”

Our reporters began to hear from women who had stories to tell. All had one thing in common: They were terrified of what would happen to them if their names became public and were reluctant to go on the record with their stories.

The issue came into public view this month when the AJC obtained a copy of a newly filed complaint against a member of the state Senate alleging a pattern of sexual harassment. The lawmaker denies the allegation and an outside law firm has been hired to investigate it. The outcome will become public only if either the lawmaker or the lobbyist reveals it, or if the disciplinary action is taken by the accused lawmaker’s peers in the House or Senate.