'Close that loophole': OK Senate passes bill increasing the age of consent from 16 to 18
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KFOR)- A Senate bill that would increase the age of consent from 16 to 18 is now advancing to the House after receiving a unanimous vote for.
Senator Warren Hamilton (R-McCurtain) is one of the Republican lawmakers heading Senate Bill 615.
The proposal states, "No person can be convicted of rape or rape by instrumentation on account of an act of sexual intercourse with anyone over the age of fourteen (14) years and under the age of eighteen (18) years, with his or her consent, unless such person was more than four (4) years older than the other person at the time of such act."
In layman's terms, the bill says teens between the ages of 14 and 18 are allowed to have a consensual sexual relationship with each other. Once that person is 19 years or older, consent can no longer be given by a minor.
The proposal has been debated over the course of two days.
"The way I read it is this would not apply to victims far over the age of 18. What assurances do we have that you are not changing the law to impact rape convictions of all types?," asked Senator Julia Kirt (D-OKC).
Sen. Hamilton stated rape would still be prosecuted regardless of age difference or similarities.
"Currently right now, a 36-year-old can consummate a relationship with a 16-year-old and it's legal and so this bill attempts to close that loophole and stop these predators from preying on Oklahoma's children," added Sen. Hamilton.
Sen. Hamilton laid the bill over Monday afternoon to make adjustments to the language.
After adding, "unless such person was more than four (4) years older than the other person at the time of such act," there were still questions from Democrats over the underlying tones of the bill.
"I'm just trying to understand exactly why we would be tackling this issue before we would look at ending child marriage," said Senator Carrie Hicks (D-OKC).
Under current state law, if someone is under the age of 16, parents must consent to the marriage in writing.
Sen. Hamilton stated to tackle child marriage would be part of a different law.
SB615 passed the Senate with 41 for and 0 against.
The proposal will now head to the House for consideration.
If the House passes the bill and the Governor signs it into law, the proposal includes an emergency clause which means it'll go into effect immediately.