Women Strike Back

THEY MAY NOT HAVE BELIEVED ANITA HILL WHEN SHE alleged that Clarence Thomas harassed her with unwelcome advances. But the boys on Capitol Hill are being bombarded with accusations about their own sexual misconduct. Most recent: a Washington Post report that at least 10 women gave specific accounts of sexual harassment over a 20-year period by Oregon Republican Senator Bob Packwood. The women, four of whom agreed to be identified by name, said Packwood forcefully kissed or fondled them and made unwelcome sexual suggestions. Packwood, who was narrowly re-elected in November to a fifth term, issued an apology, asked for an investigation and promised to undergo alcohol counseling. He did not specifically deny the women's claims, and says he plans to remain in office. Ironically, Packwood was one of only two Republican Senators who voted against the nomination of Thomas to the Supreme Court. He has also been a consistent backer of abortion rights, family leave, the Equal Rights Amendment and other women's causes. Even before the allegations against Packwood became public, the Senate ethics committee was called upon to consider a claim against Democrat Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, which it will decide whether to investigate next year. Inouye's hairdresser says he molested her 17 years ago, and other women have allegedly made similar complaints. Inouye has denied the charges. Senator Brock Adams, Democrat of Washington, abandoned his seat after several women accused him of fondling or drugging them. David Durenberger, Republican of Minnesota, has been accused in a paternity lawsuit of raping a woman nearly 30 years ago. He says any contact was "consensual," and has offered to take a paternity test.

The message the Packwood episode sends to Capitol Hill is that women are willing to risk humiliation or career damage by speaking out against sexual harassment. Says Harriet Woods, head of the National Women's Political Caucus: "Anita Hill emboldened women. We're stepping forward now and saying, 'Knock it off.' "