Does Katie Hill's Resignation Mean A Double Standard For Female Politicians?

Rep. Katie Hill, D.-Calif., resigned Sunday amid allegations last week that she had an inappropriate relationship with a staffer in violation of House Ethics rules. Hill was sworn in for her freshman term in January.

Earlier this month, nude photos of Hill appeared on the conservative website RedState, with the site also revealing other details of her private life.

The Daily Mail had also published the photos. Releasing these photos without consent of all parties involved could be considered "revenge porn," which is actually illegal in California. Part of these media outlets' sensational coverage of Hill focused on her being bisexual, and that she had a relationship with a female staffer.

Hill had claimed that she was a target of a smear campaign that had been directed by her abusive husband, with whom she had been going through a divorce. Hill's quick resignation from her seat could mean a double standard, as other male politicians have remained in their posts despite similar misconduct.

Rep. Duncan D. Hunter, R-Calif., for example, had extramarital affairs with three lobbyists, using campaign funds to finance these relationships, prosecutors said in June. Yet Hunter remains in his seat while he is expected to face a criminal trial in January.

On an even higher level, President Trump has faced sexual assault and misconduct accusations from dozens of women, yet still remains in office.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D.-Calif., said of Hill's resignation that she "acknowledged errors in judgement that made her continued service as a Member untenable. We must ensure a climate of integrity and dignity in the Congress, and in all workplaces."

Matt Gaetz, R.-Fla., a staunch ally of Trump, came to Hill's defense over the House probe. He tweeted last week that, "this is absurd. The only person who seems to have a gripe is Rep. Katie Hil's soon-to-be ex."

"Who among us would look perfect if every ex leaked every photo/text?" he added. "Katie isn't being investigated by Ethics or maligned because she hurt anyone – it is because she is different."

MSNBC host Chris Hayes said Hill's resignation could have major implications for the future. "There's going to be generation of politicians where there are thousands of images around," he said Monday night. "We're going to have to decide as a society if we're going to let that be a permanent source of blackmail…"

Hill has said that she will fight to deter future "revenge porn" cases. "Now my fight is going to be to defeat this type of exploitation that so many women are victims to and which will keep countless women and girls from running for office or entering public light," she said in her resignation letter.