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By Jessica Wehrman and Bettina Weiss
Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON - Reps. Mike Turner, R-Dayton and Niki Tsongas, D-Mass., introduced a bill last week aimed at furthering their ongoing fight against military sexual assault.
Among its measures, the bill would:
• Limit the use of the “good soldier” defense, which allows a defendant to cite unrelated, subjective factors during trial, such as military record;
• Require commanders to be assessed on their ability to create a climate where a victim can report a crime without fear of retaliation;
• Require commanders and service members be assessed on their support of sexual assault prevention and response policies;
• Ensure that the changes and provisions regarding military sexual assault prevention passed last year apply to the military service academies;
The bill has been endorsed by the Service Women’s Action Network, and some of the provisions in the Turner-Tsongas bill have already passed the Senate 97-0.
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