Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Cosponsors Bill To Prevent Convicted Rapists in the Military From Going Free Due to Technicality

Statement

This week, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) cosponsored Harmony's Law--a bill that would help prevent those convicted and found guilty of rape in the military from being freed from jail on a misconstrued technicality due to the U.S. v. Mangahas ruling. Rep. Brian Mast (FL-18) introduced the bill on Monday.

The bill is named after Harmony Allen who was raped during her third month in the Air Force by her instructor. Despite being found guilty and sentenced to jail time, he was subsequently freed due to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces misinterpreting the Congressionally-mandated statute of limitations.

"It is a travesty that convicted rapists have gone free based on a technicality. The man who raped Harmony, and others convicted of this heinous crime, must be held accountable," said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. "The bill gets rid of this technical loophole and affirms Congressional intent previously stated that such crimes have no statute of limitations. Congress must pass this legislation to help ensure others will not suffer the injustice to which Harmony has been subjected. It will also send a clear message to perpetrators of these crimes that they have no place serving in our military and they cannot wait out the clock. Time will never be on their side."

The Congresswoman met with Harmony today to thank her for her courage and discuss the new legislation.

"I still bear the scars of what he did to me 16 years ago, and I have endured immense pain and suffering for justice, but my rapist is now free because of this absurd ruling that has now set a precedent that does not follow the intent of Congress," said Harmony Allen. "Knowing my rapist has been out there for the past 16 years has haunted me. The fact that he's been able to stay in the military that I loved so dearly, get promoted and possibly have the chance to hurt others horrifies me. What's worse is that allowing the rapists in the military to use this unlawful technicality will not only allow my rapist to go free, but other rapists who committed rapes for nearly two decades could avoid being held accountable and go free. They will be given a clean slate, receive medical benefits, back pay, and retirement even though they were rightfully convicted. This is not justice and should not be allowed."

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