Rep. Mulligan’s "No Means No" Bill Becomes Law

July 28 , 2003

The "No Means No" bill is now law in Illinois, according to State Representative Rosemary Mulligan, a chief sponsor of the bill in the Illinois House. The new law will strengthen prosecutors' defense in rape cases.

"Today the law of consent is very clear in Illinois: 'No Means No,'" said Mulligan. "The new law also clarifies that an individual has the right to withdraw consent to sexual intercourse."

The act provides that a person who initially consents to sexual penetration or sexual conduct cannot be considered to have consented to any sexual penetration or sexual conduct that occurs after he or she withdraws consent during the course of that sexual penetration or sexual conduct.

According to Mulligan, the bill was prompted by a recent court case in California, which questioned the intent of that state's consent law. California's consent law is similar to the law here in Illinois.

"Rape cases are very traumatic for the victims. I feel strongly that this law was needed to clarify the law of consent in order to protect them from having to endure further harm," Mulligan said.

The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Illinois NOW, the Illinois Attorney General and the Illinois State Police supported the legislation.

For more information, please contact Representative Mulligan at (847) 297-6533.