Affirmative Consent Proposal Would Give Accusers "Qualified Privilege"

Article here. Excerpt:

'A Maryland House committee could vote as early as today on a bill that would establish "affirmative consent" standards regarding sexual assault on most college campuses in the state. It comes as one in four women report being sexually assaulted during their time in college nationally.

"Affirmative consent" would make anyone seek verbal or non-verbal approval for any sexual act.Under the bill sponsored by Del. Marice Morales (D-Montgomery), incapacitation, silence, being asleep, unconsciousness, or lack of protest and/or resistance could not be considered consent for a sexual act. Supporters say that's very important since alcohol is involved in many campus sexual assaults, where a victim may have passed out or been to intoxicated to prevent an assault from occurring.

The House Judiciary Committee will decide whether to move the bill forward to a full vote on the floor of the House of Delegates. Members of the committee heard from supporters and opponents last week.'