New York socialist lawmaker takes heat after saying shoplifting results from 'biological need'

A New York democratic socialist lawmaker's referral to shoplifting being the result of a "biological need" is getting swift blowback.

New York state Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher suggested this week that aggressive prosecution of theft of items like soap and toothpaste was wrongheaded, saying the "true crime is that there is such incredible wealth disparity in this city that there are people who can be thrown in jail simply for having a biological need."

"This is exactly the wrong way to talk about crime and poverty.