A New York assemblywoman sparked major controversy after referring to people who steal basic products such as soap and toothpaste and stating that some of those cases stem from a “biological necessity”.
Emily Gallagher, a member of the New York State Assembly and affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America, spoke during a press conference outside a Manhattan courthouse about cases of minor crimes related to poverty.
“Many of the things we saw were crimes of poverty: people stealing things like toothpaste or soap. And that means they need those products”, she said.
Gallagher questioned why the system ends up protecting large companies such as CVS and Walgreens instead of helping people facing financial hardship.
According to the lawmaker, the problem is linked to inequality, and she defended alternatives such as addiction treatment, mental health support, food banks, and housing programs, instead of resorting to arrest and jail.
Her statements drew criticism from merchants and other politicians, who warned that less prosecution of shoplifting could harm businesses and ultimately affect customers as well.
Gallagher, however, again defended her position and said that punishing people facing financial hardship with arrests or prison does not reduce crime.