AUGUSTA - Rep. Nina Milliken, D-Blue Hill, presented legislation at a public hearing before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Tuesday that would create a pathway to justice for victims of non-consensual condom removal, colloquially known as "stealthing."
LD 1683 would create a civil cause of action in Maine law for victims of stealthing. The bill would also create additional factors for a court to consider in awarding parental rights and responsibilities such as custody of a child conceived as a result of stealthing or sexual assault.
"Stealthing is a form of sexual assault, and our laws in Maine must acknowledge that," said Milliken. "Under current Maine law, stealthing victims have no recourse to hold accountable those who violated their bodily autonomy and trust. From my experience working with victims, I know that stealthing can result in long-term trauma, negative health outcomes and potential financial consequences. This legislation will close the current gap in our state's sexual violence laws and give victims an avenue to seek justice."
In 2022, California became the first state in the nation to allow victims of stealthing to sue their perpetrator. Other states including Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Vermont have also considered similar bills in recent years.
The bill faces further action in the Judiciary Committee, with a work session to be scheduled in the coming weeks.Milliken, a member of the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents Blue Hill, Brooksville, Castine, Sedgwick, Surry and Trenton.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Milliken], c. 305-965-2744