12 University Daily Kansan / Thursday, February 13, 1992 KU groups back bills against sex crimes By Gayle Osterberg Kansan staff writer Two KU student groups are planning to support a package of six bills dealing with sex crimes. The bills are in various stages of consideration at the Statehouse. State Sen. Wint Winter Jr., R-Lawrence, heads the Senate Judiciary Committee, which drew up most of the bills. He said the package was designed to encourage victims of sex crimes to come forward. something we have to do. It isn't fun work. We are asking tough questions." "I think it is something we have to do," he said. "It isn't easy to do. It isn't fun work. We are asking tough questions." State Sen. Wint Winter Jr. Kristin Lange, student body vice president and president of the Women's Student Union, said the Winter Jr. R-Lawrence women's organization would sponsor a table in the Kansas Union where students could sign letters and petitions supporting the legislation. Lange said the table would be set up during a Feb. 28 event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the formation of the department of women's studies. Connie Burk, president of Students Against Violence Against Womyn, said her organization would be joining the Women's Student Union's effort. "These bills are certainly something we will discuss with different legislators," she said. A special committee within the judiciary committee will conduct hearings on the bills Feb. 20 and 21. The package includes a proposal written by Jean Winter, Emporia senior, that would allow an accused rapist's sexual history to be admissible in Another bill would allow an examination of sex offenders up for parole if the attorney general, district attorney or county attorney in the case filed a petition alleging the prisoner was a potential repeat offender. court. "Right now, we are letting people out of prison who will rape again." Winter said the other bills would : "I think we are trying to take advantage of improvement in mental health technology," Winter said. "Many believe diagnostic procedure is such that they now can identify people who will commit sexual offences again if they are released. - Makerape of a spouse illegal. Current law states that being married to someone is defense for rape. Create a statute of limitations on child abuse of three years past the discovery of the crime. "The common thread is sexual offense," Winter said. "We are giving people more tools in the battle against sexual offenses and giving them tools to use in the recovery process." LOOKING for something to do tonight? Come to our Rice & Beans Dinner 6:00 p.m., Thurs., Feb.13. Program:"Free Trade with Mexico: What's the Hurry?" Speaker: Jack Hedrick, Vice-Pres., UAW Local #249, Kansas City, and member, Greater Kansas City Maquiladora Task Force. Reminder: Central America Week 1992: Lives in the balance. March 22-28, Something Scheduled for every day of the week, so if you're interested, keep your calendar free! Sponsored by Latin American Solidarity $280.00 Take the Bus or Sign up Date: February 14, 1992 For More Information: Information Meeting: February 5, 1992 at 8:00 pm, Kansas Room, Kansas Union or by stop at the USA Office, fourth floor Kansas Union, 8:30 - 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday Pay with your Mastercard or Visi! DANCEFLOOR Tonight, By Popular Request The Return of The Jayhawk Cafe plus- GLASSWARE - • REFILLS • Only $1.00 ALL DAY Buy a 14 oz. "MINI-BARREL" full of BOULEVARD for $2.50 YOUKEEP THE GLASS! THEHAWK It could only happen at. 1340 OHIO *A Campus Tradition Since 1919* - PRIVATE CLUB - IFFERS CHILES AVAILABLE Attention!! May '92 Graduates Order Graduation Announcements on: February 17th-19th 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Orders will be taken at either the Kansas Union or Burge Union store Orders must be prepaid Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American Express Accepted