Tennessee: Ethics complaint filed against Speaker Williams

NASHVILLE — A House Republican filed an ethics complaint Wednesday against Speaker Kent Williams, arguing he should be stripped of the speakership for “making a false statement” about two-year-old allegations of sexual harassment.

“Speaker Williams’ actions of sexual harassment were bad enough to begin with,” Rep. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown, said in a news release. “Denying that the events ever occurred, in effect calling Rep. (Susan) Lynn a liar, is like spitting in the face of his victim.”

There was no immediate response from Speaker Williams, who earlier in the day noted House rules prohibit him from discussing the case.

“I have never harassed anyone in any way. Never will,” Speaker Williams told reporters. “I’ve never been reprimanded or charged with any harassment. That’s all I can say about it. I wish my hands weren’t tied, but they are.”

The Kelsey complaint capped a sometimes-tumultuous day as Republicans and Democrats continued sparring over Rep. Williams’ surprise election last week as speaker. While Republicans have a 50-49 majority, Democrats denied Majority Leader Jason Mumpower, R-Bristol, the speakership by backing Rep. Williams, who voted for himself.

The sexual harassment allegations came out on Tuesday when Rep. Mumpower released an April 11, 2007, memo detailing allegations made against Rep. Williams by Rep. Lynn, R-Mt. Juliet.

The memo describes how Rep. Williams, a freshman lawmaker at the time, approached Rep. Lynn in a legislative parking garage one evening and allegedly told her she was “beautiful” and he would give a week’s pay “just to see you naked.”

It also describes a separate incident in which Rep. Williams allegedly “put his arm tightly around Rep. Lynn and embraced her.” It says Rep. Williams apologized at the time during two meetings with Rep. Mumpower and Rep. Lynn.

Minority Leader Gary Odom, D-Nashville, said Wednesday he was unaware of the complaint but noted he has “a question about the timing of the release of this information.” He also said the memo “should have remained confidential” under a General Assembly policy intended “to protect all parties,” including victims and those who may be falsely accused.

Rep. Dale Ford, R-Jonesborough, said Rep. Mumpower’s release of the memo was “just trying to trash Kent Williams,” according to the Associated Press.

Rep. Mumpower defended the memo’s release, saying Rep. Lynn never made a “formal” complaint, which would have brought it under the protection policy.

“That’s not what we’re dealing with in this situation,” Rep. Mumpower said.

He also pointed out that news organizations such as the Times Free Press officially requested the memo under the state’s Open Records Act.

The director of legislative administration, Connie Ridley, said she is looking into whether General Assembly guidelines were violated by releasing the memo. She cited a 2004 court ruling upholding legislative secrecy on sexual harassment complaints.

As for Rep. Mumpower’s contention there was no formal complaint by Rep. Lynn, Ms. Ridley said, “I’ve got some new questions I’ve got to ponder” that include how severe the violation was and whether it was “intentional.”

Rep. Lynn said Tuesday the memo was accurate. But she noted “this happened two years ago” and said the incident led her to “insist on more professional behavior” from Rep. Williams. She said she considered the matter settled back in 2007.

Some Republicans suggested the House needs to move on.

“From news accounts, the matter was put to (rest) really two years ago, and I believe both parties have a lot more on their plate right now,” said Rep. Vince Dean, R-East Ridge, alluding to the state’s $1 billion revenue shortfall.

His comments came before the complaint filed by Rep. Kelsey, a fierce critic of Rep. Williams who campaigned against him last summer on behalf of another Republican candidate.