New York State Senator Rob Rolison (R-Poughkeepsie) released the following statement, concerned by the horrific sexual abuse case that occurred at Cornell University in 2024 and the voluntary intoxication loophole that would be closed by a bill he has cosponsored since 2023, Senate Bill S54A.

“Cases like the horrific abuse that happened at Cornell University are exactly why I have fought for domestic and sexual assault survivors my whole career.

I am a proud co-sponsor and advocate for Senate Bill S54A legislation that would make clear that consuming alcohol or drugs does not mean someone has consented to sexual activity. The Senate has repeatedly acted on this issue, and I have cosponsored and voted in favor of this legislation every year I have served in the Senate. 

Had the Assembly acted when the Senate first passed legislation addressing this loophole years ago, prosecutors could have had a stronger law at their disposal when these allegations were first investigated — and that could have led to an entirely different outcome.

During my 26 years as a police officer, including 14 years as a detective, I investigated far too many sexual assault cases and saw firsthand how the justice system can fail survivors. No survivor should be denied the opportunity for justice because they consumed alcohol or drugs before they were assaulted. Intoxication is not consent.

I stand with the brave survivor who came forward in this case and with every survivor who has had to fight to be heard. I am calling on the Assembly to do what it should have done years ago and pass this legislation.”