Kan. lawmaker apologizes for telling women how to dress

TOPEKA, Kan. - A Kansas lawmaker has apologized and retracted a dress code that banned plunging necklines and short skirts for women testifying before his committee.

Republican state Sen. Mitch Holmes issued a statement Tuesday saying it was unacceptable for him to provide specific guidance about how women should dress in the state's Ethics and Elections Committee's rules without also producing similar guidance for men.

Legislators in both parties have strongly criticized the guidelines issued last week that said "low-cut necklines and mini-skirts" are inappropriate "for ladies."

Democratic state Sen. Laura Kelly had said in response to the ban: "Oh, for crying out loud, what century is this?"

Holmes of St. John, who is the committee's chairman, apologized and said he "meant no offense."

Similar issues have arisen in Missouri and Montana in recent years.

The Kansas Legislature's rules generally allow its committee leaders to set their own rules.