Victim advocates are criticizing a Kansas judge’s recent reference to the novel “Fifty Shades of Grey” in an alleged rape case.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports (http://j.mp/2cVqna7) that Jacob C. Ewing faces sex crime charges that include rape, criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child under the age of 14.

A woman testified Wednesday that Ewing forced her to have sex though she didn’t believe she had been raped.

Jackson County Judge Norbert Marek Jr. then asked: “Is this ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ or 50 shades of illegal?” referring to the novel depicting sadomasochistic themes.

Sonja Willms, president of the Topeka chapter of the National Organization for Women, called the comment “dangerous” and said it downplayed the “heinous” accusations against Ewing.

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Information from: The Topeka (Kan.) Capital-Journal, http://www.cjonline.com.