UPDATE: Greenwich State Rep Issues Apology for Sex Assault Comment

Updated: 12:09 p.m.:

Greenwich state Rep. Mike Bocchino (R-150) issued another statement with an apology for his remark during a legislative committee hearing regarding affirmative consent in sexual relationships that prompted criticism from some Democrats.

On Wednesday afternoon, Bocchino issued this statement:

“The comments in question were regarding the Affirmative Consent Bill which I voted for and have been in full support of were taken completely out of context and used in a negative manner against me.

In commenting on this important bill, I stated that I was not comfortable with the definition of “affirmative consent’’ that was being used because it left room for misinterpretation. Some of my colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats had shared similar reservations in the committee discussion.

In a sarcastic remark I referenced a situation where more than two people might be present at an intimate encounter where the point of consent was reached as “some kind of party.’’ It was an unfortunate phrase to use because it was misconstrued by some who apparently wanted to undermine my support for this important legislation.

To twist my comments and present them in such a way is disturbing. I am genuinely concerned for the safety and welfare of our children and students and I want to make certain that this piece of legislation is the best that we can put forward. In no way was I trying to make light of any of this and I am sorry that some may have taken my comments that way.”

Updated: 9 a.m.

Greenwich state Rep. Mike Bocchino said he finds it “disheartening” that a comment made during a legislative committee hearing on proposed legislation regarding mutual consent between sexual partners is being misinterpreted and taken out of context.

The comment came during a Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee hearing Tuesday on a proposed bill that would “establish affirmative consent as the threshold in sexual assault and intimate partner violence cases” that would require both parties to say ‘yes’ before having sexual relations.

Bocchino said his comment came during discussion of how make the bill’s stronger so that there would not be any misinterpretation of the law and to protect the rights of students on campuses. “What I wanted to be certain of is that we look at the language and that it be as strong as it can be,” Bocchino said Wednesday. “It was not only myself but my colleagues were concerned as well.”

Bocchino said, “What I was saying is that you’re in an intimate situation, you don’t have witnesses.” He said he was concerned about the burden of proof … “that you almost have to sign a paper. I was saying there are never a number of witnesses at the moment of intimacy meaning if there are, it’s disgusting not condoned.”

Bocchino added, “I just think this is a misinterpretation of what was said on a delicate situation that we’re all in support of making the legislation as strong as possible. I’m fully supportive of the bill in wanting to be sure the bill is clear and concise and not misinterpreted.” He said he would apologize for his comments. “I find it really disheartening that someone would take those words out of context, especially when the ranking member of the committee thanked me for my comments, and twist them around for political purposes.”

Original story: 8:03 a.m.

Freshman state Rep. Mike Bocchino (R-150) is under fire for comments he made about sexual assaults at a Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee hearing Tuesday, and some Democrats are demanding an apology.

The comment reportedly came during a hearing on a proposed bill that would “establish affirmative consent as the threshold in sexual assault and intimate partner violence cases” that would require both parties to say ‘yes’ before having sexual relations.

During his testimony, Bocchino said, “At the end of the day, if there are no witnesses, at least if there are, it is a great party.”

Democrats said his comment was “distasteful,” the Republican Party said his comment is being taken out of context, according to WFSB.

Bocchino, who was elected in November to represent the district that covers the Greenwich coastline, was one of 14 legislators who voted in favor of the bill, according to committee records.

Bocchino was not immediately available for comment Wednesday morning.

For more details on the hearing and to view Bocchino’s comments via WFSB, can be found here.

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