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Bohacek: Bill to protect rape victims moves to governor

STATEHOUSE (March 3, 2022) — A bill sponsored by State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) that would close a loophole in Indiana law with regard to the legal definition of rape was concurred on in the House with bipartisan support this week.

Currently, Indiana law states that sexual intercourse is only considered rape if the victim is threatened, forced or if the victim is mentally incapacitated or unaware that the intercourse is occurring.

House Enrolled Act 1079 would change the definition of rape to include situations where someone's physical or verbal attempts to refuse the sexual actions of another are ignored.

During testimony in committee, several testifiers pointed out that other states have already updated their definitions of rape to include lack of consent. The argument of "No means no" was echoed by supporters of the bill.

"Hoosiers should have the ability to seek legal recourse in cases where they were sexually assaulted," Bohacek said. "HEA 1079 will help more sexual assault survivors get the justice they deserve for the crimes committed against them. I am proud to have shepherded this bill through the legislative process and I hope that it continues to move forward."

The bill is supported by the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault & Human Trafficking, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, as well as several individual sexual assault survivors and advocates.

HEA 1079 will now move to the governor for further consideration.

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For a high-resolution photo of Sen. Bohacek, click here