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Female Republican senators criticize lack of women on rape bill conference committee

Republican women in the state Senate say they're being left out of the discussion on a bill that deals with rape.

Johnathan Woodward has more from Jefferson City.

The bill would get rid of the statute of limitations on rape and sodomy.

The senate had to assign members to work on a committee that would iron out differences with the house. But those members are all male.

Senator Sarah Steelman from Rolla says female legislators must be heard on an issue that primarily affects women:

But Senator David Klarich from Ballwin says this bill deals with procedural issues, not gender issues. That's why he says including women on the committee didn't strike him as a priority.

In Jefferson City, Johnathan Woodward.

Republican women in the state Senate say their voice isn't being heard on a bill dealing with rape.

Johnathan Woodward has more from Jefferson City.

The bill would remove the statute of limitations from rape, attempted rape, and similar crimes.

Senator David Klarich from Ballwin had to assign five senators to serve on a committee to work out differences with the House bill.

Klarich assigned five men, which led Senator Sarah Steelman of Rolla to voice her displeasure on the Senate floor:

Klarich says the bill deals with procedural issues, and that's why he doesn't think gender is a factor.

Three other Republican women spoke to support Steelman.

In Jefferson City, Johnathan Woodward.

Republican women in the Missouri Senate say they're being left out of the debate on a bill dealing with rape.

Johnathan Woodward has more from Jefferson City.

The bill would remove the statute of limitations from rape and sodomy.

Senator Sarah Steelman from Rolla says that because rape is mostly committed against women, women must be included in the discussion of this bill.

But the committee formed to work out differences between the Senate and the House is all male.

Senator David Klarich from Ballwin says that's because there is no specifically women's issue in the bill:

But Steelman says just because women have a vote on the Senate floor doesn't mean women should be left out of the joint committee.

In Jefferson City, Johnathan Woodward.