A resolution condemning the inappropriate hand gesture Senator Will Parkinson made on the session floor two months ago was adopted but Senator Joanne Brown said it didn't have to be this way.

“I don't think it can go by and not be acknowledged. If Senator Parkinson had apologized early on, this would have been a non-issue. At least not an issue that would have gone this far,” said Brown. 

“I think what’s been most disappointing about this for me is how easy it would have been for the senator to simply say ‘sorry,’” said Barnett. 

Resolution 579 censures Parkinson for the sexually explicit hand gesture multiple witnesses said Parkinson made when Brown spoke in front of the Mayors Council of Guam in October. 

It requires that senators conduct themselves in a manner reflecting the highest standards of professionalism and integrity during sessions, and gives the legislature the right to regulate that conduct and discipline a member if appropriate.

Senators Roy Quinata and Dwayne San Nicolas were the only ones on the floor to vote against it. 

“Does this trial, does this witch hunt, does this action by our body, is it commensurate to the good that Senator Parkinson does? I say it doesn't, it's unequal,” said San Nicolas. 

As reported, Mayor's Council President Jesse Alig was “appalled, outraged, and insulted” by Parkinson’s behavior.

Parkinson decided not to vote on the resolution.

“At this time, I would like to recuse myself as I have not been afforded due process in a court of law,” said Parkinson. 

Ahead of the vote, senators referred to Guam's matriarchal society and the unfortunately common mistreatment of women fueled by toxic masculinity.

“Especially on Guam, coming from a matriarchal society, many of us were raised by strong women worthy of respect. I think it goes without saying that our women deserve that respect,” said Barnett. 

“I just don’t want our legislature to go down in history and set this example for the girls and women of Guam, that we turn the other way when these kinds of behaviors happen,” said Spkr. Therese Terlaje. 

“This is why I stand in support of this measure: because we need to set an example, not only for our women and girls, but for men as they try to find their way to a healthy masculinity,” said Sen. Sabina Perez. 

“I will not shy away. I’m not your shy little girl that’s going to go ‘Oh, it's okay!’ We have too many women in this community that are victimized,” said Brown. 

In November, Sen. Parkinson stated in response to the resolution, “I don't have time to entertain a political stunt by the speaker and her cronies,” adding, “This resolution is a farce and the people who signed it are not serious people.”