Gov. Tim Walz signs law repealing Minnesota's marital rape exemption

The governor gave credit to Jenny Teeson, who has spent months telling legislators how she was drugged and sexually assaulted by her then-husband.

May 3, 2019 at 3:16AM
Gov. Tim Walz receives applause after signing into law a repeal of the state's pre-existing relationship defense. From left is Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Jenny Teeson. ] LEILA NAVIDI ¥ leila.navidi@startribune.com BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Gov. Tim Walz signs into law a repeal of the state's pre-existing relationship defense at the Capitol in St. Paul on Thursday, May 2, 2019. The law was championed through the legislative process by Jenny Teeson, who survived years of sexual assault by her
Gov. Tim Walz receives applause after signing into law a repeal of the state’s pre-existing relationship defense on Thursday. From left are Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Jenny Teeson. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Minnesota has long allowed people who rape their partner to escape penalties if they meet certain conditions, a law Gov. Tim Walz called "antiquated and shameful" before repealing it Thursday.

But before Walz took up his pen to sign the bill removing the exemption, he turned to a woman who stood beside him.

"The concept of a pre-existing relationship defense should never have been part of our criminal statutes," Walz said. "It's reprehensible, and because of Jenny it is now going to be repealed."

Jenny Teeson has spent months telling legislators the story of how she was drugged and sexually assaulted by her then-husband. But under state law, he could not be prosecuted for third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Her story prompted bipartisan action by lawmakers.

Said Walz, "No longer will this antiquated and shameful law be on our books."

Teeson watched over Walz's shoulder as he signed the repeal measure, which she said would give others the justice she was not able to get herself.

"Today is a pivotal moment in Minnesota history," Teeson said. "Today victims, former victims and people who are still in very difficult situations can know that if they are in an unsafe place … if they do go to the authorities, justice will be served."

The law takes effect July 1.

Jenny Teeson receives applause while speaking after the signing. ] LEILA NAVIDI ¥ leila.navidi@startribune.com BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Gov. Tim Walz signs into law a repeal of the state's pre-existing relationship defense at the Capitol in St. Paul on Thursday, May 2, 2019. The law was championed through the legislative process by Jenny Teeson, who survived years of sexual assault by her now ex-husband, who used their pre-existing relationship as a defense in court and was ultimately only c
Jenny Teeson received applause while speaking after the signing Thursday. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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about the writer

Jessie Van Berkel

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Jessie Van Berkel is the Star Tribune’s social services reporter. She writes about Minnesota’s most vulnerable populations and the systems and policies that affect them. Topics she covers include disability services, mental health, addiction, poverty, elder care and child protection.

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