Zakim, Pressley co-sponsor order against harassment

The Boston City Council is getting ready to pass “fairly swiftly” an order outlining a set of workplace harassment protections for themselves and their staff.

Councilor Josh Zakim, who co-sponsored the order with Councilor Ayanna Pressley, said the order is necessary in the #MeToo era.

“This is not in response to any particular issue. But seeing reports out of the State House, on Beacon Hill and in government around the nation, it’s just the right thing to do in this day and age. We’re seeing there is a need for this.”

Zakim referred to the scandal that led to the resignation of former Senate President Stanley C. Rosenberg, whose estranged husband, Bryon Hefner, was indicted on multiple charges including indecent assault and battery and open and gross lewdness on allegations he harassed staffers and others on Beacon Hill.

The order was drafted last year, Zakim said. Yesterday it was moved to the Committee on Rules and Administration. But Zakim sees the council passing the order “fairly swiftly.”

Pressley said yesterday the order will “reinforce the Boston City Council will not tolerate harassment in any form.”

She added: “We need to be intentional about ending the abuse of power that happens in workplaces, including halls of government.”

According to the order, the lengthy policy applies to council members, staff, volunteers and interns. The order establishes a “zero-tolerance” policy for harassment — including sexual harassment — and discrimination based on several factors including race, gender, national origin and gender identity.

The policy also has provisions for protections against retaliation.

Last summer, Mayor Martin J. Walsh fired former Health and Human Services Chief Felix G. Arroyo after an investigation into reported sexual harassment.