Mira Sorvino to Gov. Jerry Brown: 'Do the Right Thing!'

(FOX 11) - Actress and activist Mira Sorvino has a simple message for California Governor Jerry Brown regarding a series of bills that tackle sexual harassment.

"Gov. Brown, I trust that you will do the right thing. You will sign all of these bills because you care about women, you care about workers and you want to make this part of your lasting legacy," she said.

Sorvino spoke with Elex Michaelson in a pre-recorded interview for the FOX 11 Los Angeles prime-time political show, "The Issue Is:"

"This is the strongest sexual harassment legislation in the nation right now. We would be the nationwide leader," she said.

Sorvino was one of the first celebrities to publicly speak out against Harvey Weinstein.

She told her story to Ronan Farrow for The New Yorker.

"It's been a very tumultuous year, it's been very hard to re-live that," she said.

Weinstein is now facing criminal charges. "I feel gratified that the justice system is treating him as the criminal he is," Sorvino added.

Not long after the Weinstein articles were published, Sorvino wanted to take action to address the obvious systemic challenges.

"I've come to learn awareness without action is hollow," she said.

Sorvino is now partnering with Equal Rights Advocates in lobbying for legislative changes.

"Sexual harassment is a gateway drug. It's a gateway towards more serious assaults, coerced relationships and rape," Sorvino said.

Sorvino said this problem extends past Hollywood and impacts millions of Californians.

"Think about the working single mom. What happens to her if she's working at a restaurant and her manager is harassing her? If she loses her job, she could be homeless within a month or two!"

A series of bills championed by Equal Rights Advocates recently passed the California Assembly and Senate. They'll become law if Governor Jerry Brown signs them before the end of September.

A spokesperson for Governor Brown's office told "The Issue Is:" that they don't usually comment on pending legislation.

Senate Bill 1300 ends what's been nicknamed the "one free grope" legal standard. There was a case where a 9-1-1 dispatcher was fondled while working. The suspect was found guilty of criminal charges but not eligible for civil penalties. That would change under this legislation.

It would also ban non-disparagement agreements that bar workers from speaking out about sexual harassment.

Senate Bill 224 makes clear that sexual harassment by film directors, producers, elected officials, lobbyists and investors is against the law.

Assembly Bill 1870 extends the deadline for filing sexual harassment claims from 1 year to 3 years. Senate Bill 1343 mandates sexual harassment training for employees in all companies with more than five employees. Under current law, it is 50.

"We want to see that our leaders care about this!" Sorvino said. "Right now, everything is stacked for the predator and against the victim. We're just saying let's make this the safest state for a person to go to work!"

Michaelson asked Sorvino about the recent sexual assault allegations by Christine Bresley Ford against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanugh.

"She's being very brave. I think she needs to be listened to and it's not a partisan issue...People are harassers on both sides of the aisle, there are victims on both sides of the aisle!" Sorvino said.

Sorvino said Ford will face public skepticism and scorn, something she experienced somewhat. "I certainly didn't do this for self-advancement; it was very painful but necessary," Sorvino said.

"If one less person will get raped or assaulted or harassed, then it was all worth it."

"The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson" airs Fridays at 10:30 PM on FOX 11 Los Angeles.