Democrats in the California Legislature drew national attention this week when they refused to advance legislation that sought to increase the punishment to a potential felony for soliciting a 16- or 17-year-old for sex, inspiring a rare public rebuke from Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The move by lawmakers to strip the felony charge from the bill created a firestorm of criticism on social media and raised questions about priorities of lawmakers elected to the California Statehouse. To some, the refusal to stiffen the penalty became a glaring example of policymakers in the Golden State leaning too progressive after Republicans exploited the party’s positions on social issues in the presidential election.
“The majority clearly remains out of touch with mainstream California,” said Rob Stutzman, a Republican political consultant, about Democrats in the Legislature. “They’re creating a burden for their party nationally.”
Current law allows the offense of soliciting a minor under the age of 16 for sex to be punishable as a misdemeanor or a felony on the first offense, which is known as a felony “wobbler,” and as a felony on subsequent offenses. State law also allows felony penalties for sex trafficking a minor under age 18.
AB 379 sought to build on existing state law by extending the “wobbler” felony charge to include solicitation of 16- and 17- year-olds on the first offense and a felony on subsequent offenses. The legislation also made it a misdemeanor to loiter with the intent to buy sex.
What’s funny is that in like 37 states, age of consent is 17 or lower, with more than half being 16.
It’s like in half the states weed being as regular as candy, while in the others it’s a felony that can land you behind bars for years.
Age of consent in California is 18 as I recall. So why differentiate for anything that’s 17 and under? Makes no sense by these people who like to differentiate. Besides, those who are 17 and under or under 18 cannot make consented decisions for sex anyways because they’re not an adult. They don’t have the brain power to do so but they sure will learn robotics, five languages, be in advanced placement courses, and then start taking community college classes all before the age of 18. Legislators are ignorant.
LOL. As if struggling Californians are sitting around their kitchen tables fretting about 22 year old guys not catching felonies for hooking with a 17 year old at a party. NO ONE in the real world cares about this cr*p. It’s not even culture war BS, it’s just QANON pill addicts cosplaying as the champions of teen girls. Politicians completely invented this out of thin air because it’s easier than writing effective legislation.
Thats funny because in my case the DA tried me as and adult when I was 17 and there was only a 2 1/2 year age difference, and we both went to the same high school.