Sen. Stanley C. Rosenberg, the state senate president for Massachusetts, has stepped down from his role after his husband, Byron Hefner, was accused of sexual harassment and sexual assault by several different men.
“My heart goes out to anyone who may have been hurt, and I am committed to helping anyone who has been harmed,” 68-year-old Rosenberg announced late last week. “This has been the most difficult time in my political life, and in my personal life.”
Related: Powerful Hollywood agent accused of sexual assault by multiple young men
So far, four men have accused Rosenberg’s husband, 30-year-old Byron Hefner, of groping them. One man also said Hefner forcibly kissed him against his will. He is also accused of sending an unsolicited nude photo to someone who works in state politics.
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The men say they were initially afraid of coming forward because of Rosenberg’s powerful position, but have since been inspired by the #meetoo campaign to share their stories.
Rosenberg, who has worked as a legislator for over 30 years and became the state senate’s first openly gay president in 2015, has not been accused of any wrongdoing. While he is no longer state senate president, he will remain in the senate but on leave while an investigation is conduced to determine whether Hefner’s actions interfered with senate affairs.
Related: #MeToo and me: Is there such a thing as a gray area when it comes to sexual assault?
Many have come to Rosenberg’s defense. Resident Steve Chojnacki tells the Boston Globe, “If it were him being accused, it would be different, but it’s against his husband.”
Chojnacki continued: “Should he really step down if he hasn’t committed a crime?”
Majority leader Harriette L. Chandler, who has stepped in as interim president, also expressed remorse, saying, “The past four days have been so turbulent, so tragic, so surprising, and so sad.”
What do you think? Did Rosenberg do the right thing be stepping down from his role as state senate president? Should people be punished for the alleged actions of their spouses? Sound off in the comments section…
Ummmm Yeah
What a surprise. The guy less than half his age was trying to screw everything but him.
Heywood Jablowme
To be fair, we don’t know how old the guys he groped were. Maybe the kid has a grandpa fetish.
Heywood Jablowme
I think Queerty has misunderstood this a bit. Isn’t Rosenberg just “on leave” as senate president until the charges are investigated? That sounds reasonable.
rbernard
I am confused, why would Sen. Stanley C. Rosenberg need to step down when it was his naughty husband that was acting out inappropriately?
Are spouses responsible for their partners misdeeds?
Mandrake
Because the men assaulted were in some form of state government, and Rosenberg’s being Senate President could intimidate a thorough investigation.
Heywood Jablowme
I read that the husband threatened them (allegedly) with political repercussions if they didn’t do what he wanted. They were apparently all staffers, lobbyists & the like.
jd.cali
That is terrible. If he is in no wrong doing- why would he suffer serious consequences?
chryso
I pray for this wave of puritanism and ridiculness to never touch the shores of latin countries…
JaredMacBride
30 goes into 68 a lot more than 68 goes into 30
jshamwow
This is sad. Rosenberg is a hell of a state senator; does a lot for his district (especially the colleges and universities in it). Sincerely hope his husband’s actions didn’t interfere with his senate work
chris33133
Sounds like grounds for a divorce, not for resigning from office.
Rex Huskey
yawn….
DCguy
Sounds like the young guy was only with him for his money or position and was trying to sleep around on the side.
cjh007
Are the allegations true or as can often be the case is homophobic perception creating exaggerated accounts of what occurred as everyone jumps on the bandwagon of screaming sexual harassment/assault? I think it’s sad we’ve lost some gay representation in government behind the scandal and I’d have divorced my spouse rather than leave office!