Lavine Appointed to Assembly Panel Reviewing Sexual Assault Laws after Cornell Allegations

ALBANY, NEW YORK – After being named to a working group to examine issues and perspectives surrounding New York’s sexual assault statutes by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, New York State Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-North Shore) issued the following statement:

“I am deeply troubled by the allegations surrounding the Cornell rape case. Particularly the vile attempts by so many to blame the victim. The voices of crime victims must be listened to. Those responsible must be prosecuted and held accountable. I am honored to have been selected for this profoundly significant task. I thank Speaker Heastie and hope that something positive will come out of this that will help protect the people of New York State.”

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Assemblymember Charles Lavine represents New York’s 13th Assembly District in Nassau County. He presently serves as Chair of the Judiciary Committee and is a member of the Committees on Codes, Ethics and Guidance, Insurance and Rules. Lavine previously served as Chair of the Election Law Committee, Chair of the Committee on Ethics and Guidance, co-Chair of the New York State Legislative Ethics Commission, and as Chair of the bipartisan Task Force that produced the Assembly Speaker’s Policy on Sexual Harassment, Retaliation and Discrimination. Lavine is also President of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators and a member of its National Board of Directors.