Council Member Farías introduces four bills on consent, survivor hotline, and Hindu American month

Thank you.

Councilor Farias, followed by Wilson.

Thank you.

Today I'm introducing four bills that I would like members to consider supporting.

The first, Resolution 647, would establish Consent Awareness Week during the third week of September.

Consent affects how we respect one another's autonomy and boundaries, and education gives us a chance to build that understanding before someone is harmed.

Secondly, Resolution 648 calls on the state legislature to pass S-5521A-1140.

Consent appears throughout New York State's laws governing sexual offenses, but the penal law does not affirmatively define it.

This legislation would establish a clear standard, a freely given, knowledgeable, and informed agreement by someone with the capacity to reason.

The two resolutions work together, one advancing public education and the other calling for clarity in the

state law.

I'm also introducing Intro 1079 concerning the survivor hotline operated by the mayor's office to end domestic and gender-based violence.

It would require reporting on calls received and answered, wait times, interpretation needs, and referrals, among other measures.

If people are waiting too long or leaving before they can access services, the city and this council should be able to see that and be able to respond.

And finally, Resolution 646, which would declare October as Hindu American Awareness and Appreciation Month in New York City.

This request came directly from constituents in District 18.

Hindu Americans come from many backgrounds, including communities like those in my district, and have contributed to our city's businesses, institutions, and cultural life.

October offers an opportunity to recognize those contributions alongside the traditions and observances that make the month meaningful.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance all four bills.