The National Organization for Women (NOW) on Tuesday joined the growing number of voices calling for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) to step down after the state’s attorney general found that he had sexually harassed multiple women and violated state and federal laws.
“The findings are clear — Andrew Cuomo is unfit to lead,” NOW said in a statement, referring to the investigation conducted by New York Attorney General Letitia James’s (D) office.
“NOW salutes the brave women who told their truth to investigators. There must be consequences. NOW supports ongoing civil action against Andrew Cuomo or any criminal referrals that may emerge from this report. Andrew Cuomo has forfeited any right to call himself a leader — he needs to leave, now,” the group said.
So far, Cuomo’s resignation has been called for by, among others, the state’s entire Democratic congressional delegation and New York Mayor Bill de Blasio (D). New York GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik has called for Cuomo to be arrested.
Democratic New York Sens. Charles Schumer, the majority leader, and Kirsten Gillibrand both renewed their calls for Cuomo to resign on Tuesday.
“No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the governor should resign,” they said in a joint statement.
In a video address following the announcement of the investigation’s findings, Cuomo refused to resign and disputed the report’s findings.
“The facts are much different than what has been portrayed,” he said in the 15-minute address. “First, I want you to know directly from me that I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances. I am 63 years old. I have lived my entire adult life in public view. That is just not who I am, and that’s not who I have ever been.”