The State Senate passed it on Tues.
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Annapolis, Md (KM). It’s on its way. The House of Delegates on Wednesday approved legislation which would allow the courts to terminate the parental rights of rapists. It was passed on Tuesday by the State Senate.
The legislation has been sponsored by Montgomery County Delegate Kathleen Dumais (D) for the past nine years. “This is really amazing. There was so much collaboration between the Senate and the House. Great thanks goes to leadership, particularly the Speaker. But to be honest my Chairman, Joe Vallario, was with us all the way this year. A very heartfelt thanks to everyone whose worked on this,” she says. Vallario chairs the House Judiciary Committee.
After the vote on Wednesday in the House of Delegates, members gave Delegate Dumais a standing ovation.
During his State of the State Address on Wednesday, Governor Larry Hogan promised to sign the bill. “No rapist should be allowed to maintain parental rights. And no victim should be forced to interact with her attacker. I commend you for finally passing the Rape Survivor and Family Protection Act. And I will sign it into law the moment it reaches my desk,” Hogan said.
Dumais says this legislation is an emergency bill, and will take affect after the Governor signs it When it goes into affect, Maryland will join 45 other states with legislation which addresses the parental rights of rapists.
By Kevin McManus