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Lawmakers Begin Confidential Investigation Of Hutchings Comments

Bob Beck
/
Wyoming Public Radio

The Wyoming Senate President said that an investigation is being conducted to determine if any action should be taken against Cheyenne Senator Lynn Hutchings regarding some comments she made to high school students who lobbied her regarding LGBTQ issues.  

Hutchings was accused by the students and the group Wyoming Equality of comparing homosexuality with bestiality and pedophilia. They were at the legislature lobbying on legislation protecting LGBTQ workers. The State Democratic Party is calling for her resignation. Hutchings has denied the allegations. 

Senate President Drew Perkins said an investigation is being conducted by the Legislative Service Office Director.     

"Our director, then with whatever additional LSO staff, will investigate the complaint. They'll review the complaint, they'll investigate the complaint with other witnesses and you go through a process. You look at the law, you look at the constitution, you look at our policies and make a determination," said Perkins.

Perkins said if he sees possible wrongdoing a sub-committee of the legislative management council will determine the next step. He added that the only people that can take disciplinary action against another Senator are the entire Senate. Perkins noted that the investigation is confidential. But Perkins also said the fact that it was a private conversation complicates things.

"When you call a Representative or a Senator out and engage in a private conversation that goes to another level. Then you need to look at whether the House or Senate should be disciplining somebody for a private conversation that was initiated by a member of the public. How far do you interject in a private conversation?"

Monday listeners to a Cheyenne radio station expressed support of Hutchings. 

Bob Beck retired from Wyoming Public Media after serving as News Director of Wyoming Public Radio for 34 years. During his time as News Director WPR has won over 100 national, regional and state news awards.
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