New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) is set to sign a bill to criminalize revenge porn, joining 41 other states which have already done so.

The bill, which would make it a misdemeanor to share explicit photos of a person without their consent, passed the state Assembly and Senate after years of debate.

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"For years I have called for outlawing revenge porn as part of our fight to combat sexual violence in all its forms," Cuomo said in a statement Thursday. "This disgusting and insidious behavior, which can follow victims around their entire lives, has no place in New York.

"I commend the legislature for embracing this proposal, which is a key part of our Women's Agenda, and empowering victims of this heinous crime to take action. In New York, we will never stop fighting to protect and strengthen women's rights and opportunity."

The bill was held up over concerns that internet companies could be legally held responsible for inadvertently allowing revenge porn photos online. The legislation was amended to resolve that issue this year.

Victims of revenge porn will also be able to seek a court order requiring websites to remove illicit images.