Bauer joins multistate coalition pushing to strengthen sexual assault laws

State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) has joined a national coalition of 22 state legislators from 16 states pledging to strengthen sexual assault laws and address gaps in legal protections involving voluntary intoxication. The effort follows a high-profile lawsuit alleging that several fraternity members at Cornell University sexually assaulted an intoxicated female student, bringing renewed national attention to how state laws address consent when alcohol or drugs are involved.

Indiana courts have recognized that voluntary intoxication can render someone legally incapable of consenting to sexual activity. However, the state’s rape statute does not explicitly define intoxication-related incapacity, leaving important questions about how those protections are interpreted and applied.

Bauer released the following statement:

“Consent should not depend on how someone became intoxicated, and survivors should not lose legal protections simply because they voluntarily consumed a substance. Indiana law should make clear that intoxication does not erase a person’s right to consent. It’s time to strengthen these protections, eliminate ambiguity in our laws and hold offenders accountable.

“I am proud to stand with a national coalition of lawmakers who recognize the importance of this moment and the opportunity we have to advocate for survivors of sexual assault. Several states have already taken action to close gaps in their laws involving voluntary intoxication. Indiana should build on its existing legal protections and ensure that no survivor is denied justice simply because they chose to consume alcohol or another substance.”