RAINN Urges Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to Sign Bill to Close Spousal Rape Loophole

Columbus, O.H. (April 25, 2024) – Currently, Ohio law makes it legal for someone to rape their spouse. Ohio’s H.B. 161 Opens in a new tab↗ eliminates the spousal exception rule and permits victims to testify against their spouse. It is necessary to prevent sexual violence and provide justice to survivors, regardless of marital status.

RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, released the following statement as H.B. 161 heads to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s desk:

“People should be legally protected from sexual violence in their own homes and from their spouses,” said Stefan Turkheimer, RAINN vice president of public policy. “Ohio’s arcane laws were failing survivors of sexual violence by keeping them from pursuing the justice that they deserve. RAINN urges Governor DeWine to close the spousal rape loophole in Ohio and thanks Representatives Jessica E. Miranda (D-District 28) and Brett Hillyer (R-District 51) for their leadership on this critical legislation.”