Bill would close voluntary intoxication loophole [Video]

New York lawmakers are in the process of considering a bill that would close what they call a loophole in how sex crimes can be prosecuted. They say current state law allows someone accused of rape to use the victim’s voluntary intoxication as a legal defense.

William Rivera, interim executive director of the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault, calls language in current New York state law creating that loophole “codified victim blaming.”

He argued that giving individuals accused of sex crimes the opportunity to point to a victim’s voluntary intoxication as a defense presents a different standard when compared to crimes like robbery or physical assault.

“If I was walking home and I was sexually assaulted because I voluntarily drank, that wouldn’t be a crime, but the robbery and physical assault on me would be a crime,” he said.

Rivera told Spectrum News 1the organization is putting its support behind a bill …