Readers sound off on a sex consent bill, traumatic childbirth and Zohran Mamdani

Yahoo

02-06-2025

Buffalo: An Albany bill (A.101/S.54) intended to make it easier to prosecute certain sex offenses, including rape and sexual misconduct, is once again making its way through the New York State Legislature's houses. At first glance, the 'Rape Intoxication Bill' appears to seek to provide greater protections for victims of certain sex offenses. However, it not only duplicates existing protections but will increase the risk of unjust and wrongful prosecutions and convictions. It does not enhance protections of victims to any degree whatsoever.
The bill purportedly makes proving lack of consent easier and removes a loophole in the penal law. But it does not specify what this loophole is. In fact, no loophole exists. Instead, the bill not only broadens what may constitute a lack of consent but also allows for the prosecution of vague, undefined conduct. It will sweep innocent acts into criminal conduct. Without notice as to what may constitute lack of consent, a person who may have initiated a sexual encounter but later regrets it could claim that he or she was 'temporarily incapable of giving consent.'
Our current laws already protect those who are incapable of giving consent, whether due to physical or mental capacity. In fact, even voluntary intoxication when it renders a person incapable of giving consent can still result in a conviction for rape.
The vague language contained in the proposed bill merely provides police officers and prosecutors with too much discretion to enforce this law, which creates too much of a risk for racially disparate enforcement that will result in wrongful convictions. Kevin M. Stadelmaier
St. Albans: To Voicer Richard Warren, who writes that Miguel Jiraud savagely beat victim Diana Agudelo and should have been put away for life: I agree. During my time with the NYPD, I was assigned to the Sex Crimes Unit, now the Special Victims Unit. None of my cases were 'run-of-the-mill' rapes. All sexual assaults are serious, especially ones involving children. If your loved one was assaulted, would that be run-of-the-mill? Stephanie Revander
Manhattan: I understand that they are trying to keep the rats out of the garbage by putting these bins in the street, but I think they are taking up much-needed parking spaces that are already scarce! Not to mention the outdoor sheds for restaurants. Clyde Wallace
Bloomfield, N.J.: I'm heartened by the variety of letters that appear in the Voice of the People. Recent ones praised a special graduate and the joy of seeing Johnny Mathis perform. Voicers have contributed witty one-liners and marked anniversaries. What a great chance to thank a mentor and an opportunity for young people to clarify their perspectives. This is also space to wish someone well­, even belatedly. When Lori Stokes retired a few years ago after a respected television career, I looked for letters congratulating her but didn't find any. The esteemed journalist brought a graciousness to TV you don't see every day. Stokes had a down-to-earth kindness, like the gal most likely to nudge you if you had spinach in your teeth. Wish it would have dawned on me to write the letter I wanted to see. Christine Sparta
Jamaica: My heart goes out to the parents of the poor baby who perished ('Tragic infant in Queens not killed by dog as first feared,' May 29). I'm also concerned for the poor puppy that did not cause the infant's death. An earlier version of the article mentioned that the parents planned to train the dog to be a service animal. Was there a plan to contact a certified Assistance Dogs International member program? No mention of it was made. I hope further investigation clears the dog completely and the puppy gets adopted by a loving family. Abby Frank
Manhattan: On Friday night, I was standing at my local pharmacy counter. There was a somewhat irritated woman in front of me. As she was being helped, another worker started to help me. This customer was irritated at things taking so long. She muttered under her breath, not realizing we all heard her, 'Man, I've done drug deals faster than this!' We all burst out laughing. Lucky for us, no cops were in the pharmacy. Charles Adrian O'Connor
Los Angeles: As a fan of Mexican cuisine and a regular customer at my local Mexican restaurant, Fiesta Mexico, would all social media users please stop using the 'TACO' acronym when referring to you-know-who? It really diminishes the enjoyment of this Mexican food favorite when I order a few at the bar during happy hour and two-for-Tuesdays. Otis Criblecoblis
Clearwater, Fla.: In the event Sean 'Diddy' Combs is convicted, my sincere hope is that President Trump doesn't pardon him. One of the charges against Diddy is the physical abuse of his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The 2016 video that was caught on hotel surveillance showing Diddy brutally assaulting Ventura (dragging and kicking her) is painful to watch. Pardoning Combs would send the wrong message by saying that it's OK to beat up on women. And being that Trump is adamantly against biological males in women's sports due to the unfairness, I don't see how he can justify physical abuse against women. Allowing Combs to take his lumps if found guilty is a message of virtue. JoAnn Lee Frank
Charlotte, N.C.: What's up with Trump and Harvard University? Did they deny him admission in the 1960s and this is part of his revenge campaign? Barbara Haynes
Staten Island: I am writing to shed light on an often overlooked yet deeply personal and impactful experience: traumatic childbirth. As a mother who recently endured a traumatic birth, I have come to realize how isolating and emotionally overwhelming it can be. While childbirth is commonly celebrated as a joyful milestone, for many women, including me, it can be marked by fear, complications and lasting psychological effects. Unfortunately, the silence surrounding traumatic births leaves many mothers feeling alone in their pain. It is not just about physical recovery, but also the mental and emotional healing that can take far longer, and often goes unsupported. I believe it's time to break the silence and normalize conversations about birth trauma. By sharing our stories and standing together, we can create a stronger, more supportive community for all mothers. Alexsis A. Gilles
Hartsdale, N.Y.: I love the new LaGuardia Airport but hate the cell phone parking lot. Last Friday night, I had the unenviable opportunity to pick up my daughter and kids visiting from Chicago. Friday nights are a zoo at the airport, so I planned to arrive early. As I approached Terminal B, I was grateful to see signs for a cell phone lot where I could wait until she called to be picked up. When I arrived, I was greeted by a sea of black TLC Chevy Suburbans in this tiny lot. Every spot was taken, most without drivers sitting and waiting. These cars are obviously using it as a free parking lot. Now I understand why I see dozens of cars parked along the side of the road waiting to be called. Please put some controls in place. This parking lot is not meant for private limo services' convenience. Daniel Brea
Manhattan: With due respect to Voicer Dennis Dunleavy, my word choice to describe Scott Stringer is 'nebbish' — that nasal, whiny voice is almost humorous when he tries to talk tough. All I remember of his time in office is having his city car chauffeur Mrs. Stringer to work. Robert J. Katz
Manhattan: Thanks to Harry Siegel's column on the subject ('Mamdani's moment for momentum,' June 1), the core issue with the enthusiastic young candidate was made clear: Zohran Mamdani is dreaming the possible dream — a city all cleaned up with a whole lot of freebies and just a few problems. I hope that this time, we elect a realist with prior relevant job experience. Frankie Turchiano