Ohio Legislature Passes Bill to Criminalize Spousal Rape

The bill, which is expected to be signed by Governor DeWine, eliminates longstanding legal exemptions for marital rape and related sex crimes.

The Ohio Senate passed legislation unanimously to close the spousal rape loophole, with the House also showing near-unanimous support.
Governor Mike DeWine is anticipated to sign the bill, marking a significant shift in Ohio's approach to marital rape.
The legislation removes legal protections that previously allowed spouses to evade prosecution for rape and other sex crimes.
Survivors and advocates have long criticized the loophole as outdated and harmful, arguing it undermines the seriousness of spousal sexual violence.
Ohio joins a growing list of states that have reformed laws to ensure marital status does not exempt individuals from sexual assault charges.