Governor Gavin Newsom has voiced his support for a bill aimed at toughening penalties for those who solicit sex from minors in California. The proposed legislation sought to make it a felony to solicit anyone under the age of 18, including 16- and 17-year-olds. However, after some pushback, members of the state Assembly decided to remove the felony charge for soliciting these older minors, prompting Newsom to step in.
In a statement, Newsom emphasized that all sex offenders who target minors should be treated equally under the law. “The law should treat all sex predators who solicit minors the same — as a felony, regardless of the intended victim’s age,” he said. This is notable as it is rare for the Democratic governor to publicly comment on a bill before it reaches his desk.
The bill aimed to build on existing laws that already classify paying for sex with a minor under 16 as a felony. Currently, California has stronger penalties for sex trafficking minors under 18. Despite this, during a recent public safety committee hearing, Democrats insisted that Assemblymember Maggy Krell, who introduced the bill, remove the felony provision for soliciting 16- and 17-year-olds to allow the proposal to be heard.
This decision sparked criticism from various quarters, including Assemblymember Tom Lackey, a Republican from Palmdale. Lackey questioned why the legislation seemed to favor predators over protecting vulnerable young people. He stated, “These are girls, and these are people that our society should be doing everything they can to protect. So why are we protecting the predator?”
In defense of their decision, Democrats indicated that they plan to hold additional hearings on the issue in the future. The controversy surrounding this bill highlights a significant divide within the party and raises questions about how best to address the protection of minors against sexual exploitation. Newsom’s intervention reflects his commitment to prioritizing the safety of young people in California.