AUSTIN, Texas -- A prominent Texas women's political group is calling on two state senators to step down. It comes after the online news website the Daily Beast reported multiple allegations that senators Borris Miles and Carlos Uresti sexually harassed women.
"We call these guys out at this time in order to really ask for a change in the culture at the State Capitol, enough is enough," said Annie's List Executive Director Patsy Woods Martin.
The allegations detailed in the Daily Beast claim Democratic Houston Senator Borris Miles solicited interns for sex and brandished a gun inside the Capitol and that Democratic San Antonio Senator Carlos Uresti made unwanted sexual advances and comments to women under the pink dome.
"We know that things like this go on when there are men in positions of power, and it is wonderful that this is all coming to light," Woods Martin said.
The Texas House recently updated its sexual harassment protocols.
Now, Sen. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) is also urging her colleagues to get to work on revamping the Senate's sexual harassment policies.
"All I know is what I've read in the paper, and what I think we need is a independent, full investigation of all the charges," Garcia said.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick also weighed in, calling the allegations "serious" in a statement. The Lt. Governor said he expects a senate committee to meet soon to update the upper chamber's sexual harassment policies.
Thursday, Sen. Uresti denied the allegations made by the anonymous women in the article.
"I know that sexual harassment has no place in the Capitol or in any other workplace," Uresti said in a statement.
Senator Miles' office didn't respond to a request for comment.
Meanwhile, some say male legislators need to lead the charge when it comes to a culture change at the Capitol.
"I think accountability looks like not looking the other way," said Texas Association Against Sexual Assault Public Policy Director Chris Kaiser. "Until people feel safe and supported to come forward and know that their jobs won't be in jeopardy at the Capitol, nothing's gonna change."