“Texas House expels controversial member Bryan Slaton”

In a unanimous vote, the Texas House of Representatives expelled Bryan Slaton, a Republican member from Royse City, on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. The expulsion followed an investigation that determined Slaton had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a 19-year-old aide, whom he allegedly plied with large amounts of alcohol before having sex with her. As a result, Slaton became the first member of the Texas Legislature to be removed from office since 1927.

The Committee’s Investigation

The investigation by the House General Investigating Committee was almost a month long, during which it received complaints of Slaton’s behavior from three Capitol employees and four representatives. The committee recommended Slaton’s expulsion from the House in a 16-page report released on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The report outlined the actions taken by Slaton before the April 1 encounter with the young woman, including providing her with large amounts of alcohol. The committee concluded that Slaton was guilty of multiple crimes, including providing alcohol to a minor.

An Emotional Vote

Ahead of the vote, members of the committee told the House that Slaton had not disputed the allegations and still had not expressed remorse or regret. Members gave emotional speeches before voting unanimously to expel him. Rep. Ann Johnson, of Houston, questioned whether the aide was able to consent at the time of the encounter, after Slaton supplied her with several large mixed drinks. She excoriated Slaton, calling him the “type of man who steals innocence” and who was “not worthy of a position of trust.”

Speaker Dade Phelan, who had resisted commenting on the matter while the investigation was ongoing, said expulsion was a rare but necessary action. “Predatory behavior merits such a consequence,” Phelan said, adding that he hoped the action taken would send a message that sexual harassment and inappropriate activities in the workplace will not be condoned and are unacceptable.

Slaton’s Record

Slaton, a youth pastor at several Southern Baptist churches before his time in the Texas House, ran for office in 2021 on a family-values campaign financed heavily by Defend Texas Liberty PAC, mostly funded by ultra-right West Texas oil and gas tycoons. In the House, he gained a reputation as an anti-LGBTQ bomb-thrower who was unafraid to needle those in his own party from the right. Last year, Slaton called for a blanket ban on minors at drag shows, saying they needed to be protected from “perverted adults,” and proposed giving per-child tax credits to married, heterosexual couples, while excluding LGBTQ or divorced people. Slaton also called this year for a referendum on Texas‘ secession from the United States, despite legal experts overwhelmingly saying such a move would be illegal.

Editorial and Advice

The vote to expel Slaton was a necessary step for the Texas House of Representatives to demonstrate its commitment to principles that transcend partisanship. Sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior in the workplace must never be tolerated. The unanimous vote is a sign that elected officials can put aside partisan differences when the dignity and wellbeing of their constituents are at stake. This vote sends a clear message to all lawmakers that their conduct, both in and outside the chamber, is subject to scrutiny and accountability.

As we move forward as a society, we must continue to recognize the harm caused by sexual harassment and other inappropriate workplace conduct. Managers and lawmakers must create work environments that are inclusive and free from harassment. This requires ongoing training and education, so everyone in the workplace understands what is acceptable and what is not. Leaders must also speak out when necessary and hold individuals accountable for their actions. Finally, it is our responsibility as citizens to speak up when we witness inappropriate conduct in the workplace and to demand that those responsible for such conduct are held accountable.