INDIANAPOLIS — UPDATE: Indiana Democrats re-elected Taylor as senate minority leader on Monday, Nov. 18.
Indiana Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor skipped an appearance at an event for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, on the same day the IndyStar reported multiple sexual harassment claims against him.
On Monday, Nov. 18, Taylor was scheduled to speak at an event where the chamber outlined its desires for this year's legislative session.
Indiana Speaker of the House Todd Huston acknowledged the claims against Taylor when speaking to reporters after the chamber event. Huston said he had not read the article, but was familiar with the headline.
"I am 100% concerned about any allegations of (sexual harassment)," Huston said. "We have so many incredible young women working at the Indiana General Assembly, which I'm so grateful and thankful for. I certainly want it to be a great place for them to work."
Huston was asked if the statehouse was a safe place for young women to work.
"I sure hope so," Huston said. "And we work every day to make sure it is."
In a statement to the IndyStar, Taylor seemed to acknowledge the allegations, saying in part:
"As an elected official, I am responsible for maintaining high professionalism and respecting the boundaries of all I engage with. While this has always been my goal, there have been times when I may have blurred the lines and behaved in a manner that potentially made my colleagues or those who witnessed my actions uncomfortable."
13News has reached out to Taylor but has not heard back as of the publication of this article.
In response to questions, Indiana Democratic spokesperson Sam Barloga released the following statement:
“Harassment of any form is unacceptable. Everyone deserves to be in a workplace that is safe, free from harassment, and respects the dignity of every employee, especially those working in public service. Our lawmakers are working to address these issues so there are more protections that prevent harassment and that anyone can come forward without fear of retaliation. We urge lawmakers of both parties to follow the same rules that Hoosiers do at their workplaces and respect the public’s trust that is placed with them.”
Taylor represents Indiana Senate District 33 and won reelection earlier this month after running unopposed. District 33 covers an area northwest of downtown Indianapolis stretching from Herron Morton to the southeast to the southern edge of Eagle Creek Park in the northwest.
Taylor has represented the area since 2008.
Destiny Wells, who lost the race for Indiana Attorney General, posted about the allegations on social media:
