Cornell 'gang rape' case: What is NY's 'voluntary intoxication' loophole?

In October 2024, students at Cornell University received a campus crime alert about a reported sexual assault. At the time, it was just a campus story. Nearly two years later, on September 16, the victim, known only as “Jane Doe,” filed a civil lawsuit that brought national attention to her story.

Public outcry to punish the alleged perpetrators in the Cornell case misses the point – the only solution is political, legal and cultural equality of women Sometimes a story is so so appalling, it captures the public’s attention, including the attention of people who don’t focus on the issue…

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is vowing to close the state's voluntary intoxication loophole amid the Cornell rape allegations.

Hochul, who is up for reelection next month, says she will “work with the New York State legislature” to pass legislation to close the loophole, which can prevent predators who take advantage of someone who has voluntarily consumed drugs or alcohol to escape prosecution.