The California Legislature is engaged in a heated debate regarding proposed harsher penalties for soliciting and buying sex from 16- and 17-year-olds. While some lawmakers advocate for stricter laws to enhance protections for minors, others express concerns that these new measures could be misused, particularly against teens in interracial or LGBTQ+ relationships. Current laws provide felony charges for soliciting those under 18, but don’t adequately address protections for older teens. A proposal seeks to expand penalties for older minors, demonstrating a complex interplay between protecting youth and safeguarding against potential abuses of the law.
California’s debate on harsher penalties for soliciting sex from older minors reveals deep divides over protecting youth and concerns of potential misuse in targeting relationships.
Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas emphasized California’s tough anti-trafficking laws, stating that while the state has extensive protections, there's a lack of coverage for older teens.
Proposed changes to include 16 and 17-year-olds in felony penalties for solicitation aimed to close legal gaps but raised fears of misuse and targeting vulnerable groups.
Some lawmakers are cautious about the impact of new legislation, fearing it could empower some parents to weaponize the laws against their children’s personal relationships.
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