National Organization for Women-NYS Thanks Senators Gillibrand and Schumer

ALBANY, NY (10/20/2009)(readMedia)-- The National Organization for Women-NYS is pleased that US Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) have called for the resignation of NY State Senator Hiram Monserrate (D), who was recently convicted of a misdemeanor for abusing his girlfriend. Both have come down on the side of justice for women, not only in New York State, but around the country. As domestic violence has long been a systemic plague in women's lives, the National Organization for Women-NYS will continue, until justice is served, to demand Monserrate's removal.

NOW-NYS President Marcia Pappas thanks Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for their "courageous stance in opposing a member of their own party." Pappas states: "Politics aside, we are urging all Democrats in the NYS Senate to follow the lead of our US Senators, and of Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington (D) and Senator Liz Krueger (D), both of whom led the original charge for the Monserrate's resignation."

As was remarked by Senator Gillibrand: "Domestic violence has no place in our society and certainly has no place in the State Legislature. A court of law has found Senator Monserrate guilty of domestic violence, and I believe he should resign immediately. If he does not resign, then the Senate should move to expel him. We must take a hard line against violence toward women in our society."

Senator Schumer adds: "I think Hiram Monserrate should do the right thing for the State of New York, the State Senate, and his constituents and resign."

NOW-New York State is proud to know that we have Senators that will fight for women's safety first.