Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn Reiterates Prior Call for Governor Cuomo’s Resignation

On August 3rd, 2021, NY Attorney General Letitia James’s office published a report concluding Governor Andrew M. Cuomo engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment under Federal and New York State law. The Governor’s behavior and actions were protected within a culture of fear and intimidation that allowed his behavior to persist for years.

Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn had published a prior statement in March of this year calling for the resignation of Governor Cuomo. We joined representatives and organizations who have long criticized the Governor and urge accountability. With the findings of this report, we again join our contemporaries in demanding the Governor is removed from office. Our March Statement is published again below: 

Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn (LID) joins New York Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, Representatives Jerry Nadler and Nydia Velasquez and other members of Congress, and members of the state Legislature in calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to resign or be impeached and removed from office. His demonstrated disregard of allegations of abuse and harassment undermine the integrity of the Governor’s office and of the sustainability of the state government of New York.

Allegations of sexual harassment by at least six women, his long history of bullying journalists, and threats to lawmakers have contributed to Governor Cuomo creating a workplace environment so toxic that it it has jeapordized the State’s ability to effectively navigate the pandemic. These doubts are underscored by a federal investigation into Governor Cuomo’s handling of nursing homes, and demonstrate how far he is willing to go to fortify his self-image for personal and professional gain. We share the aforementioned lawmakers’ concerns that, as support for the Governor deteriorates sharply, his only option is to resign. He has lost the public’s trust and must step aside.

Further, LID condemns the harmful culture in Albany that permitted someone like Governor Cuomo to flourish. As New York Magazine reporter Jessica Bakeman explained: “Sexual harassment is so ubiquitous in Albany we don’t often call it what it is.” Men like Governor Cuomo are empowered by colleagues who look the other way and refuse to hold the abusers accountable, and a political machine that keeps problematic leaders like Cuomo afloat. LID supports any effort by lawmakers, including the current inquiry led by the New York State Assembly, to investigate the allegations against him. We look forward to a time when a progressive, independent Democrat will take the reigns and truly govern for all.