Australian PM Gillard dismisses 'disgraceful' sexual-harassment claim

Australian prime minister Julia Gillard has dismissed as “disgraceful” claims that she was making light of sexual harassment by allowing the parliamentary speaker to keep his job while facing allegations that he pressured a member of staff for sex.

House of Representatives Speaker Peter Slipper stepped aside on Sunday while police investigate allegations that he misused taxi payment vouchers while travelling by limousine in Sydney this year.