Bill would allow courts to terminate parental rights of convicted rapists

It's not the first time Noemi Martinez has spoken up on a bill that would help ensure the man who sexually assaulted her has no parental rights to the child conceived during that crime.

And, frankly, if this bill doesn't advance for debate or get passed by the Nebraska Legislature, she'll keep telling her story until it does, she said in a letter to the Judiciary Committee. The snowy weather Friday kept her from testifying in person.

The bill (LB188) introduced by Omaha Sen. Sara Howard would ensure victims of sexual assault have a pathway to protect their parental rights and the best interests of children conceived as a result of the crimes.

A co-worker in Norfolk sexually assaulted Martinez after she went to his apartment on his invitation when she was 18. She doesn't have clear memories of the night, but she does remember telling him she did not want to have sex.

Read more: http://journalstar.com/legislature/bill-would-allow-courts-to-terminate-parental-rights-of-convicted/article_ad622af0-8050-5f61-a558-87e7895d4bdb.html