Advocates seeking changes to make the Roundhouse in Santa Fe safe from sexual predators gathered for a press conference demanding the removal of Democratic state Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto.

The state senator from Albuquerque has been the focus of sexual harassment allegations after he was accused of sexual harassment and misconduct by lobbyist Marianna Anaya earlier this year. 

“It's been shown that his history of behavior is not suitable to serve as a senator, to step foot in the Roundhouse and to continue this behavior, his predatory behavior,” Lan Sena of the Center For Civic Policy told the gathering as reported by KOAT.

Sena, a former lawmaker, told those in attendance she does not want to be in the same space as Ivey-Soto. “I've had to tell folks to, even for myself, do not allow me to be in a room with this type of individual to also make sure that if we are caught in the same room, to not let me be alone,” Sena said.

Ivey-Soto told KOAT in a phone conversation that he has not been convicted of any crimes and fellow legislators shouldn’t be concerned. 

“While allegations have been made, there have been no findings adverse to me,” Ivey-Soto told KOAT. “I want to affirm that every person should feel safe in the roundhouse." Ivey-Soto's website also says he sponsored bills to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.

But advocates for victims of sexual harassment say that’s not good enough. 

"I want victims of sexual harassment to know that they will be heard and treated with respect throughout the process, even if the allegation is against a sitting legislator," Senate Pro Tem Mimi Stewart said at the press conference.

Monet Silva of Common Cause New Mexico said New Mexicans need to feel safe in the roundhouse. 

“Common Cause New Mexico strongly urges that these changes be passed and implemented,” Silva said. “However, while these steps are absolutely necessary, we know that they are not enough to ensure New Mexico New Mexicans are safe in the Roundhouse.”