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On Thursday in the Assembly, Democrats shut down an attempt to protect 16- and 17-year-olds and let the law punish the customers who would buy teenagers for sex.
“I often disagree with the majority party, but I am rarely so shocked at the skewed moral compass revealed in a legislative debate as I have been this week,” said Sen. Megan Dahle, R-Bieber. “Soliciting a minor for sex is a serious crime. It is no less serious a crime if that minor is 16 years old – barely able to drive a car – but most Democrats are dedicated to a status quo that does not protect our children.”
Assembly Bill 379, by Assemblymember Maggy Krell, D-Sacramento, would have closed loopholes that prevent felony charges for soliciting sex for pay from a 16- or 17-year-old. It was gutted earlier this week in the Assembly Public Safety Committee, and Republicans on the Assembly Floor attempted to restore Krell’s intent. Other Assembly Democrats closed ranks and blocked the move, while talking of their intent to continue studying the issue.
“As a parent, I am appalled at this decision,” Dahle said. “We don’t need more study to know that those who’d buy children for sex deserve serious criminal penalties.”