Led By Claims of Harassment in California's Capital, American Women Join #MeToo Campaign

The California State Capitol building in Sacramento. CreditDavid Paul Morris/Bloomberg

The groundswell of women furious over the Harvey Weinstein-launched #metoo campaign moved to Sacramento, California on Tuesday with more than 140 women -- including legislators, senior legislative aides and lobbyists -- coming forward to denounce their perceived sexual misconduct by powerful men in America's most influential state governing body. 

Detailing their grievances in a public letter, accompanied by a series of interviews, the women "complained of groping, lewd comments and suggestions of trading sexual favors for legislation while doing business in Sacramento", writes The New York Times. 

The #metoo campaign has also touched down in the state capitals in Rhode Island and South Dakota, as the Harvey Weinstein scandal has set off a wave of accusations, recriminations and investigations across the country. 

“As women leaders in politics, in a state that postures itself as a leader in justice and equality, you might assume our experience has been different,” the California letter said. “It has not. Each of us has endured, or witnessed or worked with women who have experienced some form of dehumanizing behavior by men in power in our workplaces.”

Related: California Today: A Rallying Cry Against Harassment in Sacramento The New York Times