COLUMBUS, Ohio-Today, Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (pictured) (D-Lakewood), who's 23rd district includes 14 of Cleveland's 17 wards, released the following statement in support of the passage of House Bill 161, Representatives Jessica Miranda (D- Forest Park) and Brett Hillyer's (R-Uhrichsville) legislation to end the spousal exemption for rape and other sex crimes.

"I commend the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Legal Aid of Cleveland, Representatives Miranda and Hillyer and the countless advocates who have fought to bring Ohio to the 21st century and end the archaic exemption of marital rape," said Antonio. "These changes must be made to modernize Ohio's rape code and give survivors of sex crimes the justice they deserve. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to ensure this bill reaches the governor's desk."

State Sen. Antonio previously introduced Senate Bill 162 in 2019 and Senate Bill 198 in 2021 to eliminate the spousal exemption for rape and end the statute of limitations on rape and sexual assault, respectively.

House Bill 161 now awaits committee assignment in the Ohio Senate.

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