By Rachel Leingang and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez | Arizona Republic
A freshman Republican legislator made inappropriate comments about marital status, working mothers and religion to several people at the state Capitol while they were working, lawmakers and lobbyists said.
Rep. Paul Mosley, R-Lake Havasu City — who recently has come under fire after reports of excessive speeding — has asked whether people are married, why they don’t have children and why working mothers aren’t, instead, home with their children.
The recollections of encounters with Mosley come as the statehouse continues to grapple with a culture that some have deemed sexist and demeaning toward women.
Mosley repeatedly asks probing questions about religion, pushing people into conversations about his Mormon faith, colleagues from both political parties said.
And some lawmakers have said they are uncomfortable with his aggressive manner in pushing for legislation, some of which could personally benefit him.
Mosley was criticized last week for claiming legislative immunity after he was pulled over for driving more than 40 mph over the speed limit. He told the deputy who pulled him over that he sometimes drives as fast as 140 mph. After the incident became public, Mosley said he was joking.
