Sen. Brent Hill
The Idaho House Judiciary and Rules Committee has signed off on a bill that would rewrite the state’s statutory rape laws.
Under the measure sent to the full House, men up to three years older than their 16-year-old or 17-year-old female sexual partners could no longer be charged with statutory rape after consensual encounters.
Changing the law would bring Idaho in line with neighboring states and others nationwide. As many as 35 states have laws allowing 16-year-olds to consent to sex. In Hawaii, the age of consent is 14.
Rexburg Republican Sen. Brent Hill told members he doesn’t condone sexual activity among minors, but says consenting teens should not be categorized with those charged with forcible rape.
The measure has already passed the Senate. (AP)
