A bill closing a loophole in Ohio's revised code that makes spousal rape legal in Ohio could be signed into law as soon as next week.

House Bill 161, was recently approved by the State Senate and now awaits Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's signature. 

If approved, the bill would remove legal language that exempts offenders from raping their spouse in several sections of the revised code.

Specifically, in section 2907.02 of the Ohio Revised Code, it states "no person shall engage in sexual conduct with another who is not the spouse of the offender or who is the spouse of the offender but is living separate and apart from the offender."

This includes in instances when the offender impairs the other's judgement by giving them drugs or alcohol through force or deception. 

Additionally, this would close a loophole that technically makes child rape legal as long as they are married to the offender.

At this time, it's unclear when or if DeWine will sign this bill.

You can read the bill's revisions below:

 

RELATED: