Washington, March 12 (RHC)-- The U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved a measure to overhaul prosecution of sexual assault in the military. Passed by a unanimous 97-to-0 vote, the bill scraps the century-old "good soldier defense" that allows defendants to present evidence during trial of a positive military character.

According to reports from Capitol Hill, the legislation also gives accusers a voice in whether cases are heard in civilian or military courts and increases requirements for commanders.

But the bill is considerably weaker than a measure rejected by the Senate last week, which would have moved oversight of sexual assault in the military to outside the chain of command.