Legislator Paul Supports Stronger Privacy Laws

New City, NY (July 28, 2014) – Recognizing the growing problem of the use of popular social media sights to post photos or videos of sexual intimacy as an act of revenge, Rockland County Legislature Aney Paul sponsored a resolution this past May to amend the penal law to criminalize the non-consensual distribution of sexually explicit photographs or videos. Paul’s resolution was adopted by unanimous vote of the County Legislature on May 6th. The resolution urged the NYS Legislature to pass Assembly Bill A.8311 to create the State Legislation for Inappropriate Exposure Act (SLFIE).

“Revenge porn” occurs when a former partner broadcasts acts of sexual intimacy or compromising depictions on the Internet as means to disparage a former partner. It is a growing problem for young people in our society and has been a cause for mental anguish and a significant number of teen suicides.

Earlier this year, Legislator Paul heard from a distressed parent whose daughter was victimized in this manner. Paul said, “I was compelled to sponsor legislation to urge our state elected officials to amend the penal law for such crime.”

“The dissemination of sexually explicit materials as a means to revenge is hurtful and humiliating,” said Legislator Paul. “State legislation that criminalizes dissemination is a deterrent to these posts. Those plotting this type of revenge will now think twice or risk prosecution. But because of this growing trend, I encourage everyone and young people, especially, to be mindful of recording intimate moments. We have learned that many intimate moments that a partner expected to remain as personal and private, do not.”

The State Legislature more recently passed legislation sponsored by Senator David Carlucci that eliminates a loophole found in the unlawful surveillance laws. The bill has been sent to Governor Cuomo for approval. Legislator Paul applauded Senator Carlucci’s efforts to sponsor this legislation.