Ohio Senate Passes Bill Closing Loophole for Survivors of Sexual Assault

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed House Bill 161 which will eliminate spousal exceptions for certain sex offenses and allow a victim to testify against their spouse in the prosecution of these cases.

House Bill 161 will eliminate the loophole that protects offenders from prosecution in the case of spousal rape and ensure that survivors have access to justice. 

"I am grateful for the passage of HB 161 and the protections it will provide to survivors,” said Kunze. “I have sponsored similar legislation for many years, including Senate Bill 127 this General Assembly. We must work together to keep survivors of sexual assault safe in the Buckeye State and empower them to come forward and share their story.”

House Bill 161 eliminates all exceptions to the following sex offenses:

• Rape, regardless if the survivor lives with the offender or not;
• Sexual battery;
• Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor;
• Gross sexual imposition;
• Sexual imposition. 

HB 161 now heads to Governor DeWine’s desk for his signature.