News

Actions

Idaho committee backs revision to rape statute

Posted

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- An Idaho panel has introduced a measure that would revise the state's rape statute in part to include gender neutral language, rendering the law the same for both men and women.

The proposal presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday would redefine rape and broaden the sex crime statute to include groping and fondling.

Under the proposal, Idaho would join 32 other states that have done away with a requirement that a victim must resist an attacker in order for a rape to have occurred.

The new proposal suggests that a victim need not resist if there's a belief the resistance would result in violence or be in vain.

The measure must pass through both Legislative chambers and gain Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter's approval before becoming law.