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Conyers Supporters Rallying in Detroit

Defenders say longtime Michigan Democrat is entitled to ‘due process’ against harassment allegations

Supporters of Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., are rallying in support of the embattled congressman in Detroit. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Supporters of Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., are rallying in support of the embattled congressman in Detroit. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Supporters of Rep. John Conyers are set to hold a rally for the Michigan Democrat calling for “due process” amid accusations about sexual harassment.

The rally will be held at Adams Church in Detroit, the Detroit News reported.

Last month BuzzFeed News reported that Conyers paid $27,000 to settle with a woman who accused him of sexual harassment. Despite signing a non-disclosure agreement, Marion Brown came forward in an interview on the Today Show last week.

Conyers was also accused of sexual harassment by Melanie Sloan in the Washington Post.

But state Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo said many people understand the important work Conyers has done and that he should be afforded due process amid the allegations.

“Our country is founded on those principles of being innocent until proven guilty,” she said.

After initially defending Conyers and calling him “an American icon,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosicalled on Conyers to resign

Gay-Dagnogo also said Conyers was facing a “double standard” for calling on Conyers to step down when Minnesota Sen. Al Franken and President Donald Trump have not faced similar calls to step down amid accusations of sexual harassment.

Conyers attorney Arnold Reed said his client is doing better after being hospitalized last week and was encouraged by the show of support for the longtime lawmaker.

“I am extremely ecstatic that there are those who are courageous to fight for due process and who refuse to cower and run away in the night in the face of false allegations,” he said. 

Along with Pelosi, four members of the Michigan delegation have said that Conyers should resign, including Republican Bill Huizenga and Democrats Dan Kildee, Sander Levin and Debbie Dingell.

Conyers stepped down as ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee after the allegations went public.

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