Court Won't Stop Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Lawmaker
HARPER WOODS (WWJ/AP) - The Michigan appeals court says a Detroit-area lawmaker doesn't have immunity from a lawsuit by a former aide who says he was fired because he rejected sexual advances.
Rep. Brian Banks, a Democrat from Harper Woods, claimed he has immunity to lawsuits tied to legislative business. But the court says the allegations aren't related to the legislative process.
Banks' former aide, Tramaine Cotton, alleges that he was hired as a driver in 2013 but then dismissed a few months later after he rejected a romantic relationship and his duties changed. In response, Banks says Cotton was fired when the lawmaker learned about a driving violation and an arrest warrant.
The lawsuit, which seeks damages upwards of $50,000, accuses Banks of making unwarranted sexual comments and explicit solicitations throughout Cotton's employment. Banks allegedly tried to date Cotton several times and performed a forced sexual act on him, according to the lawsuit.
The 3-0 decision, released Friday, affirmed the rulings of Wayne County Judge Susan Borman. The case returns to her court.
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