House Passes Code Easing Ohio Sex Laws

COLUMBUS (P)The House approved 71-14 and sent to the Senate yesterday a bill that completely revamps Ohio's Criminal Code and would permit homosexual acts, fornication and adultery between consenting adults.

Sixteen amendments were discussed Tuesday and six others were debated during yesterday's session in a two-day debate uncommon here.

One approved amendment would permit motorists to carry loaded revolvers on the seats of their cars without violating the concealed weapons law. It was approved 66-16.

The major controversy over the bill surrounded amendments that would legalize fornication, adultery and homosexual acts between consenting adults in private.

THEY WERE APPROVED Tuesday, but the controversy continued yesterday.

Amendments liberalizing abortion laws and eliminating capital punishment were rejected Tuesday.

The Senate approved a bill that divides the Department of Mental Hygiene and Correction into two departments.