OCR Text |
Show Spouisal Rape Issme Captures Attention by Mari Herold Forum staff writer Sexual abuse occurs in one of ten marriages. In marriages that involve physical abuse that rate is much higher. In Utah, there is no legal recourse for the victims of this abuse. Will Utah be the 44th state to adopt legislation criminalizing the act of spousal rape? Not this year. Two bills concerning this matter have been filed in the House for consideration during the 1991 winter session. To date, neither bill has come up for debate or vote on the floor. House bill No. 36, sponsored by Rep. Janet Rose, calling for the deletion of the spousal exception for rape is opposed by Rep. R. Mont Evans. In a Jan. 30 closed session Rep. Rose decided to pursue the bill cautiously, without alerting the opposition, according to legislative intern, Allen Thomell. Rep. Evans has been busy gamering support for his own bill on spousal rape. House bill No. 33 proposes the creation of a spousal rape' task force designed to investigate possible solutions to this issue. off Utah ASWC Calendar Legislators expressed concern in committee meetings over the conviction rate of acquaintance rape. With courts still struggling over the controversy ofwhat constitutes date rape, many feel that the prosecution and conviction rate of marital rape is apt to be even lower, according to members of the committee. The proposed task force also will consider whether to amend the existing rape and aggravated sexual assault laws or enact a completely independent spousal the problems and make amendment rape law which would carry separate, and possibly, lighter penalties. through a task force. The issue of marital rape was brought It is possible that neither bill will be end to the attention of the public in the 1978 addressed at any time this year. At the of the current session, all proposed task Rideout case. Greta Rideout was the first force bills will be prioritized according to woman in the United States to charge her their importance and feasibility. Contin- husband with a rape which occurred while gent on this decision, a 13 member task they were living together. Although Rideforce will address the crime of spousal rape out was eventually acquitted, the case and submit recommendations for changes commanded national media attention. As to the current statutes to the Judiciary a result, many states have since amended Interim Committee by its November 1991 existing laws to include the spousal rape. It is societys responsibility to define meeting. This is a complex problem, said Rep. abuse, said Waters, Many women who Nancy S. Lyon, it cannot be dealt with in are victimized think, Hits notacrime, why one simple solution. Both prosecutors and report it? Utah is currently only one of six members of the proposed task force states that has yet to alter its rape laws. I feel regret that we are unable to pass legislation concerning this matter, but first we need to educate the public on this issue, said Rep. Evans, the bills primary sponsor, !We hope for a solution next year in a special session. According to Christine Waters, director of the Salt Lake City Rape Crisis Center, House bills No. 33 and 36 are neither in opposition to each other nor mutually exclusive. We need an immediate bill to protect these women; then we can iron out Utah Arts Council Provides Funds for Westminster Fine Arts Programs by Mary Lang Forum staff writer Westminster has been awarded three grants totaling $3,900 for the 1991 calendar year. The Utah Arts Council (UAC) has granted $2,400 to the Poetry Series, $750 to the Chamber Orchestra and $750 to the Westminster College Stoiytelling Festival. In collaboration with the University of Utah, Kings English book store and UAC, Westminster College hosts the Poetry Series on campus in Nunemaker Place. Director Katherine Coles, said, The money awarded for this event will be used to pay the poets salaries and travel expenses. With Westminster College, UAC and publication and printing of programs and brochures, said Sonja Chesly, director of annual giving. The Westminster College Storytelling Festival was held on campus last August under the direction of Westminster student (now a graduate), Bill Tatomer. The fe std val will resume this year with a $750 grant to assist the project. GB FAST FUNDRAISING PROGRAM f $1000 in just one week. Earn up to $1000 for your campus organization. Plus a chance at $5000 more! This program works! No investment needed. Call Ext. 50 Issue 15 February 5, 1991 storytellers. According to UAC director, Carol Nixon, UAC has awarded 59 grants totaling $57,400 in the community arts development, technical assistance and challenge grants categories. is trying to set up a memorial fund for Joe Gunderson. Donations will be accepted by ASWC. Lockers and typewriters are coming. Legislative Assembly is quickly using up the money allotted for distribution for this fiscal year. Anyone who wants money better hurry up and ask before it is all gone. First come first served. Judiciary is preparing to run constitution elections the end of February or the first of March. Pick up a copy of the proposed document as soon as possible. Student Activities Commission ' is planning Coffee Houses on February 14, March 6, and one other date in April, to be announced later. Entertainment provided is for everyone and all are welcome to come free of charge. ASWC Task Force is ready to approve the final draft of the constitution and Is preparing a final student forum. All are invited to attend and ask questions. Look for more details. February 1 3 - Westminster Players Production February 14 - Phillip Scott Bryan in in ASWC House Coffee an Syme in to Center Shaw Lounge begin at for two hours. 6 p.m. and go Westminster Players Production. February 15 - Deadline to apply for" May graduation. Deadline for making up incomplete 1 grades. Westminster Players production. February 16 - Westminster Players Production. 10 February 18 Presidents Day, No school! it) ifcll vty (olniol !Biov uTr the C. Comstock Clayton Foundation underwriting the concert season, the performances of the Chamber Orchestra also are held here on campus. The members of the orchestra are Salt Lake Valley residents volunteering their talents. This grant will be used to pay soloist fees, purchase music and pay for the Ray Ownbey, dean of arts and sciences, will head the festival thisyear, and said the money will be used primarily to pay the Executive Cabinet VVilntf) ii) February 19 - Academic Monday. i JSl Alan C. Ashton in an Executive Lecture in the Gore Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. r i i i February 25 Beginning of Winter Break. ASWC Talk Back Coupon t t Do students want a typewriter room in the library, computer lab, or somewhere else? Would you use it? i i i i i I I I I I I I I I I March 5 End of Winter Break. March 8 - ASWC Film Series presents a Japanese Film in Converse 202 . at 7 p.m. Last day to select CreditNo-Credi- t option. March 9 ASWC Japanese Film in Converse 202 at 7 p.m. S Name: Phone number: . Student Faculty Drop this coupon Into the Talk i i I Back Box located near the ASWC Office. 1 J Forum Page 3 |