SOAR Launches Campaign Against NY Intoxication Law

The group's 'Consent in a Can' drive targets a state provision it says complicates sexual assault prosecutions.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Sex Crimes

SOAR Launches Campaign Against NY Intoxication Law

SOAR launched the 'Consent in a Can' campaign, handing out beer koozies at the Cornell-Princeton football game on October 31 to push for changes to New York's voluntary intoxication law. The effort backs Assembly Bill A101, which would bar a victim's voluntary intoxication from being used as a defense in certain sex crime cases.

Why it matters

SOAR argues the current provision can make it harder to prosecute sexual assault when the alleged victim voluntarily consumed alcohol or drugs beforehand, and that the law does not reflect common understandings of consent. The issue gained attention after the 'Cornell 7' case, in which the Ithaca district attorney cited the provision as one reason felony sexual assault charges were not pursued.

The campaign's concrete activity includes koozies distributed at the October 31 Cornell-Princeton game and signage in New York City. Whether Assembly Bill A101 advances to a vote remains unresolved as of the campaign launch.

The players

SOAR

An advocacy organization leading the 'Consent in a Can' campaign to change New York's voluntary intoxication law.

Carl Heastie

The New York State Assembly Speaker whom supporters are urged to contact to bring Assembly Bill A101 up for a vote.

The details

The 'Consent in a Can' campaign uses printed beer koozies reading 'One sip and you're no longer protected from sexual assault by New York law,' along with social media and out-of-home signage around New York City. SOAR is asking supporters to call Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and urge him to bring A101 to a vote, using a suggested phone script.

October 31, 2026: Koozies handed out at the Cornell-Princeton football game.
November 1, 2026: Coverage of the SOAR campaign launch published.

Legal Context

The campaign targets New York's voluntary intoxication provision, which SOAR says has been used to decline felony sexual assault charges. Assembly Bill A101 would bar a victim's voluntary intoxication from serving as a defense in certain sex crime cases.

Residents who drink before a sexual assault may find that the state's current provision affects whether charges can be pursued. The campaign encourages New Yorkers to contact Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie about advancing A101.

The takeaway

Residents who want the law changed can contact Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and ask him to bring Assembly Bill A101 up for a vote. Understanding how the voluntary intoxication provision applies helps clarify why advocates see it as a barrier to prosecution.