A New York State Senator, who previously voted in support of an act now being invoked against him in the wake of rape allegations, is contending its constitutionality. Senator Kevin Parker, having formerly backed the Adult Survivors Act, the very law employed in the E. Jean Carroll case against former President Donald J. Trump, is now challenging its legality. Politico notes Trump’s legal team previously raised objections to the same act.
As per the New York Post, Parker is asserting the law’s unconstitutionality in a court filing. This law, now expired, allowed victims of sexual assault a limited time frame to file lawsuits against alleged perpetrators even if the statute of limitations had elapsed.
Parker faces accusations of raping a woman in 2004, filed in November 2023, just before the law expired. He has denied these allegations. Notably, he and every other state senate member voted in favor of the law in 2021. Despite the allegations, Parker initially maintained support for the bill, stating, “I voted in favor of the [Adult Survivors Act] to ensure all New Yorkers can seek justice and be heard.”
Amidst these developments, Parker remains steadfast in his denial: “These allegations are absolutely untrue. My work and advocacy will continue.” The accuser, Olga Jean-Baptiste, alleges Parker raped her in her home after collaborating on relief efforts in Haiti. Governor Kathy Hochul has labeled the accusations “deeply disturbing.”