This Must Be the Case for Kavanaugh, Too

New York – September 25, 2018 – After many decades of drug raping women throughout his successful career as one of America’s most popular TV dads,  Bill Cosby’s high-profile conviction of three counts of aggravated indecent sexual assault, deserves the maximum sentence.

“Anything less than the max sends a message to the public that the rich and famous are held to a different standard–one that gives a free pass to drug and violate women unchecked for decades,” said Sonia Ossorio, president of the National Organization for Women of New York.

Ossorio praised the 60 women who shared their stories that spanned years of being drug raped by Bill Cosby. After two lengthy trials, the prosecutors demonstrated what tenacious, serious advocacy for sexual assault survivors looks like.

“The courageous survivors who spoke out and the diligent prosecutors made his trial and conviction possible,” Ossorio said. “They exposed Bill Cosby, and they helped pave the way for the #MeToo movement that is transforming our world.”    

Speaking about the current news about sexual misconduct, Ossorio added, “You can’t help but make the MeToo connection between the Cosby sentencing and what is playing out on TV screens across the nation with the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. But there is an important distinction. Kavanaugh isn’t on trial, he’s just interviewing for a job. Anything less than a 100 percent confidence in his character, integrity and truthfulness deserves a NO vote.”

Of special mention, NOW extends gratitude to Andrea Constand, whose testimony led to Cosby’s conviction.  During Cosby’s 2017 trial and his 2018 retrial, NOW-NYC members traveled to Norristown, PA, to demonstrate outside the Montgomery County courthouse in support of Constand and other survivors, carrying signs that read “Thank you Andrea” and “Take rape seriously.”    

NOW commends Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele as well as attorney Kristen Gibbons Feden who led the prosecution.  “Mr. Steele and Ms. Feden did exactly what we want more prosecutors to do: they took a difficult case to trial with no guarantee they would win, they litigated it skillfully, and they held a sexual predator accountable. We hope prosecutors around the country will see this as an example of what is possible.”

NOW-NY advocates for the women and girls of New York, by working to defend reproductive rights, fight economic inequality, and end discrimination and violence against women.  As the largest NOW chapter in the country, they play a key role in shaping both the local and national debate on the issues that impact women.  

For more information, contact NOW-NY: (212) 627-9895