.png)
Concord, N.H. – New Hampshire Republican State Representative Eric Schleien was charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year old girl. He was also charged with two misdemeanor counts of simple assault.
During this legislative session, Schleien voted against a ban on child marriage, instead voting with the majority to keep the age of marriage eligibility at 13 years old.
Former NHDP Chair Kathy Sullivan issued the following statement:
“Republican Representative Eric Schleien must resign. We assume the governor and the New Hampshire Republican Party will set the right example by condemning Rep Schleien’s actions and demanding his resignation as well.
The drumbeat of Republicans who are forced to resign from year to year for their bad behavior is becoming a disturbing trend. It’s hard to ignore the signals in the Republican Party that led Schleien to believe his actions were acceptable. Schleien joined a Republican majority in voting against a ban of child marriage, instead choosing to keep the age at 13. 86 Republicans voted to allow ignorance as a defense for soliciting underage prostitutes.The 30 votes against a bipartisan rape shield bill to protect sexual assault victims were all Republican.
We all agree that sexual assault should not be tolerated in this state. The governor should wield the full strength of his office to make certain that is a reality.”