Jack Ciattarelli Voted to Give Rapists Parental Rights, Blocked Key Protections for Survivors

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By Adam Rizvi, The India Observer, TIO: BLOOMFIELD, N.J. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli is under fire after new reporting revealed his alarming record in the New Jersey General Assembly, including a vote to give rapists parental rights if their assault resulted in a child being born.

During his time in office (2011–2018), Ciattarelli consistently voted against bipartisan bills designed to protect women, children, and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. His record places him in the extreme minority — opposing measures that both Democrats and Republicans overwhelmingly supported.

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Jack Ciattarelli’s Voting Record on Sexual Violence and Child Protection

• Parental Rights for Rapists: Ciattarelli voted against legislation (A3537) that would have terminated parental rights for individuals convicted of sexual assault that resulted in the birth of a child.
• Teen Night Protections: He voted against a bill that would have disqualified registered sex offenders from working at “teen night” events at New Jersey businesses.
• Keeping Abusers Away from Children: Ciattarelli voted three separate times against bills aimed at keeping sex offenders and abusers away from children.
• College Sexual Assault: He voted against legislation that would have allowed the Attorney General to fine higher education institutions that failed to properly address student sexual assault cases.
• Closed-Circuit Testimony for Survivors: Ciattarelli voted no on Assembly Bill 3219, which would have permitted domestic violence witnesses under 16, and victims of any age, to testify via closed-circuit television rather than in open court.

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Each of these bills passed in the Assembly with broad bipartisan support but were ultimately vetoed or blocked under Republican Gov. Chris Christie.

Survivors and Advocates Outraged

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill — a former prosecutor — condemned Ciattarelli’s votes as “disqualifying.”

“I am appalled by Jack Ciattarelli’s disturbing vote to give rapists parental rights if a child is born as a result of this heinous crime,” Sherrill said. “As a former prosecutor, I know how important it is to stand with survivors. Jack’s record is not only extreme, it betrays the very people government is supposed to protect.”

Hypocrisy on the Campaign Trail

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Ciattarelli’s voting record stands in stark contrast to his recent rhetoric. After a NJ Advance Media investigation revealed that more than 100 New Jersey youth sports coaches and trainers had been accused of sex crimes, Ciattarelli claimed he would “100% support mandated background checks and fingerprinting for all youth coaches, trainers, and others with close contact with children in sports leagues.”

However, during his seven years in the Assembly, Ciattarelli never sponsored or supported legislation addressing sexual assault.

The Stakes for New Jersey

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With November’s election looming, Ciattarelli’s votes highlight a sharp divide between the two candidates. While Ciattarelli opposed protections for survivors, Sherrill has pledged to work with the legislature to strengthen state laws safeguarding women, children, and families.

“As the mother of four teenagers, I am disgusted and deeply concerned by Ciattarelli’s record,” Sherrill said. “New Jersey families deserve a governor who will put their safety above politics.”