Kansas senator apologizes for dress code rules in wake of accusations of sexism

A Kansas senator, facing accusations of sexism, has issued an apology for a set of committee rules that warned women appearing before his committee against wearing miniskirts.

Sen. Mitch Holmes, R-St. John, had included a requirement of professional dress for people testifying before the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee, which he chairs. The rule came with an instruction that said: “For ladies, low-cut necklines and mini-skirts are inappropriate.” No similar instruction was offered for men appearing before the committee.

Holmes faced criticism from female lawmakers and the controversy attracted national attention. Facing backlash, Holmes issued an apology Tuesday morning and retracted the rules.

“My failure to clearly specify that all conferees, regardless of gender, should strive to present themselves professionally is unacceptable,” he said in the statement. “I apologize and meant no offense. I have decided to retract the conferee guidelines.”

This story was originally published January 26, 2016 at 8:58 AM with the headline "Kansas senator apologizes for dress code rules in wake of accusations of sexism."