House leaders had previously admonished the Provo Republican for his behavior toward women and did so again in a closed door meeting, during which Hughes removed Thurston as vice chairman of the House Government Operations Committee, two Capitol sources say.
The move marks the first known instance in recent years where a Utah legislator has been reprimanded for inappropriate behavior. It comes amid a nationwide debate and heightened awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace, particularly in Hollywood and political circles.
Given all of that publicity, it’s almost incomprehensible that the message isn’t sinking in for some men — including Thurston.