Hochul Puts Support Behind Closing 'Voluntary Intoxication Loophole'
Kathy Hochul says voluntary intoxication should not shield sexual assault suspects, as Tompkins County prosecutors plan charges against seven men.
- On Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul vowed to close a state rape law loophole allowing offenders to avoid charges if victims were voluntarily intoxicated, following a 2024 gang rape allegation at Cornell University.
- The 2024 case involves allegations that seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity drugged and raped student Jane Doe, though Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten initially declined to file charges.
- Hochul stated police omitted Doe's explicit testimony from materials sent to Van Houten, while Cornell students attacked administrators at a Thursday campus meeting for their handling of the case.
- New York Attorney General Letitia James was appointed special prosecutor Friday to review the facts, while Van Houten announced plans to file criminal charges against the seven men.
- Early next year, the New York State Legislature will work with Governor Hochul to amend the law, ensuring voluntary intoxication is not a license for sexual assault or gang rape.
27 Articles
27 Articles
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Voluntary intoxication is not a license to assault, says governor after case of alleged gang rape.
The governor of New York issued strong opinions on reforms needed for the law that hinder the process of rape cases.
The fact that she was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs after a voluntary use "does not license for sexual assault or rape in a meeting", said the elected member with reference to this text, which echoes a case involving students from Cornell University. Tompkins County Attorney (northern New York State), where the campus is located, announced on Monday the reopening of an investigation into a alleged rape in a meeting dating back to O…
Hochul eyes changes to state’s rape law amid Cornell crisis
Hochul backs changes to New York’s ‘voluntary intoxication’ loophole law
Hochul, who is up for reelection next month, says she will “work with the New York State legislature” to pass legislation to close the loophole, which can prevent predators who take advantage of someone who has voluntarily consumed drugs or alcohol to escape prosecution.
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