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2 Democrats Won't Attend Closed Oklahoma House Investigation

The Oklahoma State Capitol
KWGS News File Photo

 

Two Democratic state lawmakers say they won't participate in a closed meeting of a House panel that's investigating sexual harassment allegations against one of them and a Republican lawmaker.

Democratic Rep. Steve Kouplen of Beggs, a member of the Special Investigation Committee, says in a statement he will not attend Tuesday's meeting because participants are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

A Democratic lawmaker who is named in a sexual harassment complaint says he also has declined an invitation to appear at the closed meeting because he prefers an open proceeding.

A complaint also has been filed against Tulsa Republican Dan Kirby. The House paid Kirby's former legislative assistant and her attorneys $44,500 to settle an allegation that she was fired for reporting alleged harassment. Kirby denies wrongdoing.

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