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Devils Advocate

By the logic of Pence’s behavior, any female co-workers should be seen primarily as sexual objects and potential temptresses, not as colleagues. And by the same logic, men lack the self control to avoid their sexual impulses? They are simply unable to control themselves around women, without their wives there to chaperone them. Both of these stereotypes are insulting and limiting to both genders.

Although the logic, implications, and potential consequences you describe are accurate they don't diminish that they're "stereotypes" which we both know exist in reality, however cartoonish, characterized, or exaggerated they may be. Human nature is human nature in all its lapsed glory and its appalling frailty.

I think Pence's "logic" recognizes this but more importantly takes into account the "me too" environment currently pervasive.

As an aside, some many years ago I worked briefly in an organization whose newly hired sales manager had managed to have two major makeovers, crowns and other major dental work and breast enhancement surgery by suing two of her previous employers and their corporations for what was then a rather novel but budding sexual harassment cause of action. I'm in my mid sixties now and was in my early thirties then.

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In addition, women could lose opportunity at promotions and equal access if only males can be met alone. It could also become a legal issue. Example: Female staffers of Congressmen who follow this rule are routinely barred from private meetings, from driving with their male bosses and from evening events.

All true. Very possible. And I dare say that there's, at this time, a fertile environment for employment discrimination based on the "no private meeting" theory. If there's not now, there soon will be.

On one hand we have "me too" "accuser must be believed" sexual harassment whose only defense might be "we were never alone together" which rolls conviently to "we could never meet alone" employment discrimination. Wow. Just wow.