NEW YORK CITY – State Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WF-Manhattan), who sponsors the Adult Survivors Act with Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal, issued the following statement in response to today’s verdict in Harvey Weinstein’s criminal trial:

“Harvey Weinstein is a criminal. He deserves to rot in jail.

“More than 100 women have come forward to accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault or harassment. I applaud the courage of every woman who came forward to testify in this trial: Jessica Mann, Mimi Haley, Tarale Wulff, Dawn Dunning, Lauren Young and Annabella Sciorra.

“We’ve learned over the last few years how difficult it is for survivors to come forward and share their stories. Powerful men like Weinstein have a network of attorneys and protectors who intimidate survivors, and many – including Ms. Sciorra – came forward only after the statute of limitations had expired.

“The Adult Survivors Act would help women who survived Weinstein’s abuse secure justice and have their day in court. This vital piece of legislation – which I am proud to co-sponsor with Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal – will allow survivors to bring civil suits against their abusers if the statute of limitations has expired. We must pass this bill.”

Senator Hoylman and Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal sponsor the Adult Survivors Act (S6810/A8726), which would create a one-year window for the revival of otherwise time-barred civil lawsuits based on sex crimes committed against individuals who were 18 years of age or older at the time of the crime.