Maryland ending parental rights of rapists who impregnate [View all]
Source: Associated Press
Maryland ending parental rights of rapists who impregnate
By BRIAN WITTE
Today
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) More than 10 years after supporters began pushing for it, Marylands legislature has decided with unanimous votes in the Senate and House to enable impregnated rape victims to ask judges to end the parental rights of their rapists.
Supporters say it has become embarrassing that a state known for its progressive politics is one of the last to adopt such a law. They also credit a growing sense of female empowerment for making the issue a priority.
I think we were moving in the direction of getting done this year, period, but I think the #MeToo movement certainly helped, said Del. Kathleen Dumais, a Democrat who practices family law.
All 188 seats in the General Assembly, where senators and delegates serve simultaneous four-year terms, are on Novembers ballot. So is the governors office. Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, expressed early support and noted during his State of the State speech last week that he would sign it.
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https://apnews.com/849b56c6512d45e7ba38b430cff710bd/Maryland-ending-parental-rights-of-rapists-who-impregnate