FRANKFORT, KY ( March 15, 2018 ) -- The Senate has advanced a measure to broaden the state’s rape and sodomy statutes.
House Bill 101 would expand third-degree rape or sodomy to include an adult having sex with a 16 or 17 year old if the age difference is 10 years or greater. A violation of HB 101 would be punishable by up to five years in prison. HB 101 passed the Senate yesterday by a 34-1 vote.
Sen. Wil Schroder, R-Wilder, said HB 101 would stop an accused rapist from mounting a trial defense that the sexual intercourse was consensual when the victim was 16 or 17 and the defendant was at least 10 years older.
He asked fellow parents to image their 16-year-old son or daughter being sexually involved with an adult 10 or more years older.
“This would put a stop to that,” Schroder said. “Currently, it is appalling but it is not criminal. This would make it criminal.”
Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Hopkinsville, stood in support of HB 101. He said 24 other states have passed similar laws in light of compelling evidence for the need.
“Children of this age demand protection,” Westerfield said.
HB 101 now goes back to the House for consideration because the Senate amended the bill.
