SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – The Minnesota Senate approved legislation that would help to support victims of sexual assault by getting rid of Minnesota’s marital rape exception, sometimes called the “voluntary relationship defense,” which shields perpetrators from prosecution in certain instances if they are married to the victim. Bill language for SF 235 is available here. Representative Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) is the chief author of the House companion bill that was approved on February 21 of this year. Audio of Rep. Stephenson commenting on his legislation after it passed is available here.
Jenny Teeson of Andover, Minnesota shared her experience of being drugged, raped, and videotaped by her former husband. When she sought justice, the legal system said her case could not proceed because of a law that Stephenson has been working to repeal. Continue reading “Minnesota Senate Passes Rep. Zack Stephenson’s Bill to Repeal Minnesota’s ‘Martial Rape Exception’”