Statement from the Executive Committee of the Lexington Democratic Club on the Voluntary Intoxication Loophole

For too long, a loophole in New York law has excluded sexual assaults from the legal definition of rape when a victim was voluntarily intoxicated.

Year after year, despite broad support from legislators, legislation to close this loophole has stalled in the New York State Assembly. Now, seven years after it was first introduced, the bill is gaining national attention due to the Cornell rape case. 

New York's rape laws must change, and the time is now.

The Lexington Democratic Club is proud to continue to support SB54A/A101A to end the voluntary intoxication loophole and strengthen protections for survivors of sexual assault. We urge Governor Hochul to include this critical legislation in next year’s budget to ensure justice for New Yorkers.