Story Archive

Kansas Legislators II

Kansas state Senator Mitch Holmes, chairman of the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee, has issued a “Code of Conduct” for people testifying before the Senate. While “professional attire” is the rule, Holmes wanted to be more specific — but just for women: “low-cut necklines and mini-skirts are inappropriate,” the rules state. Men “don’t need supplemental instruction on how to look professional.” Holmes notes that the rules are necessary because “we’re really looking for you to be addressing the issue rather than trying to distract or bring eyes to yourself.” Women need such guidance because, the Republican says, he has seen “provocatively clad females” at the capitol. Reactions from his peers has been harsh, and bipartisan. “I am more interested in what [citizens] have to say about the direction our state should go than what they’re wearing that day,” said Sen. Carolyn McGinn, a Republican. “Oh, for crying out loud, what century is this?” asked Sen. Laura Kelly, a Democrat. (RC/Topeka Capital-Journal) ...So because he can’t control his own lustful urges at the sight of a leg, women have to hide them from him. Got it.