A proposed bill would criminalize ‘revenge porn’

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Ohio Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni introduced legislation that would make it illegal to knowingly distribute a private, sexually explicit image of a person without that person’s consent – also called “revenge porn.”

“The purpose of this legislation is to protect victims and prevent this type of vengeful behavior,” Schiavoni of Boardman, D-33rd, said Thursday. “Currently, people who share these images without consent face no legal ramifications in Ohio. [Thirty-four] other states have already passed similar legislation. It’s time for Ohio to act.”

Under this bill, a first-time offender would be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. Subsequent convictions would be fifth-degree felonies. In addition, victims would be able to file a civil lawsuit against the offender.

The bill also helps protect victims in academic and professional settings, Schiavoni said.

Any student enrolled in college who is a victim of this violation would not have scholarship or financial assistance taken away from them as a result of the shared images, he said. Employees who are victims of this violation would be protected from adverse employment action solely based on their victimization, he added.

“We know that when these images go public, it has devastating effects on a person’s career and personal life,” Schiavoni said. “This bill gives Ohio the tools it needs to hold these perpetrators accountable.”