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Just days after Queens Councilman Dennis Gallagher appeared in handcuffs to face charges of rape, he didn't show up to a City Council meeting Monday where his colleagues voted unanimously to remove him from his Minority Whip post and from all six of his committee assignments.
The Queens lawmaker was indicted last week on rape charges.
"These are serious charges, and I think it's in the best interest of the institution for Council Member Gallagher to focus on his defense and for the committees on which he's a member to move forward," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.
Gallagher requested to be removed from those positions Friday after City Council Speaker Christine Quinn suggested he do so.
The move will cost him a portion of the $5,000 stipend he receives for serving as Minority Whip.
Council members voted 37 to 0 to remove Gallagher. Gallagher said he did not attend the meeting because of a prior commitment. In total 14 members were absent.
Gallagher will still be permitted to vote at full council meetings.
The Council's Standards and Ethics Committee also took up the issue, but decided, at the request of the Queens District Attorney, to delay its own probe until the criminal process wraps up.
But one council member thinks Gallagher should spare the council any investigation and resign immediately.
"In the interest of his constituents, the City Council, and the city, I think it would be appropriate for him to step down," said Councilmember Tony Avella.
One of Gallagher's friends disagrees.
"I believe he is presumed innocent, and unless he believes that he cannot effectively do his job, he should remain and represent the people he was elected to represent," said Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr.
In 2002, Brooklyn Councilman Angel Rodriguez was indicted on bribery charges. He stayed on the council for several months before resigning and pleading guilty.
At this point Gallagher has no intention of stepping down, maintaining that the sex was consensual.
