Youngstown Times

State Rep. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) has cosponsored House Bill 161, which aims to close a loophole that protects violent predators from prosecution in spousal rape cases. Cutrona emphasized the importance of protecting victims and ensuring that dangerous sex predators do not receive any form of protection.

In a statement, Cutrona said, "This legislation closes a loophole that should have never existed. Rape is never acceptable in any circumstance. It is imperative that we protect victims and not foster protections for dangerous sex predators. I have always been committed to protecting the safety and well-being of all Ohioans, especially rape victims."

House Bill 161 seeks to eliminate exceptions to certain sex offenses that currently apply if the victim is the spouse of the offender. It also allows individuals to provide testimony against their spouse in the prosecution of any of the specified offenses under the law.

Cutrona expressed his disapproval of the archaic laws that have allowed this loophole to persist. He stated, "These archaic laws have no place in our society. It has taken nearly 40 years to finally close this loophole, and I am proud to see that we were finally able to vote House Bill 161 out of the House and send it over to the Senate."

The bill's progress in the House is a step towards rectifying a long-standing injustice and providing justice for victims of spousal rape. By eliminating the exceptions and allowing spouses to testify against their partners, the legislation aims to ensure that no one is above the law when it comes to sexual offenses.

The support for House Bill 161 demonstrates a collective commitment to protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. With the bill now in the hands of the Senate, advocates and lawmakers hope for its swift passage to provide much-needed justice for victims of spousal rape in Ohio.

Click this link to access more information: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/al-cutrona/news/cutrona-supports-victims-of-spousal-rape-117630