A controversial ruling from the Minnesota Supreme Court has brought renewed focus on the state’s criminal sexual-conduct laws. The court recently set aside an assault conviction, essentially ruling that someone can’t be guilty of rape if an incapacitated victim was voluntarily intoxicated. Legal observers say the court was interpreting state law, which advocates say is outdated. Lindsay Brice, of the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault, says pending legislation would close loopholes like this one.
State Representative Kelly Moller is a chief sponsor of the legislation. She says the plan should be adopted with all of the included fixes, so that there won’t be public backlash over future rulings.
The measure also raises the victim age limit from to 13 to 14 when it comes to statutory rape. Backers of the bill say the time to act is now, with April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, also noting the movement comes on the heels of Women’s History Month.
