National Organization for Women-New York State (NOW-NYS) Demands: Expel Monserrate!

ALBANY, NY (02/07/2010)(readMedia)-- For a couple of weeks now, rumors have been circulating about the New York State Senate's upcoming decision to either expel or censure NY State Senator Hiram Monserrate (D), who was recently convicted of misdemeanor assault for slashing his woman friend. Although NYS Senate Conference Leader John L. Sampson (D) has promised a Tuesday, February 9 resolution, he will not say what decision will be resolved.

According to NOW-NYS President Marcia Pappas, "the future of the Democratic Party and women's safety is in Sampson's hands." In view of the fact that Democrats will lose an important Senate seat if they expel Monserrate, Pappas explained: "Democrats can either do what it politically expedient or they can do what is ethically right, by showing the women (and of course all citizens) of New York State that their safety comes first. We hope they will choose the latter."

In that most rumors predict a decision for censure rather than expulsion, Pappas asks: "Will Senator Sampson give advance warning so that citizens can protest ahead of time? Or will he just spring it on everyone in the form of a 'privileged resolution' that needs no committee vote or forty-eight-hour warning?"

Some Republicans are calling for expulsion in their own "privileged resolution." But such a measure could be voted down and/or the Democratic leadership could easily prevent a floor vote by burying the Republican resolution in a Finance Committee referral.

Pappas concludes that "NOW-NYS believes EXPULSION IS THE ONLY ANSWER." She adds that "NOW will be holding accountable all Senators who don't support a vote for expulsion."