A group of activists is challenging a proposed bill that seeks to increase penalties for individuals involved in commercial sexual exploitation of minors.
The activists argue that the legislation, Senate Bill 1414, is overly punitive and fails to address the root causes of sexual violence. They also claim that the bill could disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ community, who they say are already subject to systemic biases within the criminal justice system.
According to The Post Millennial, during a public testimony on the legislation, the activists stated, SB 1414 takes an overly punitive approach that fails to address the root causes of these issues and will not effectively stop sexual violence. They further expressed their concerns, stating, We are particularly concerned that the harsher penalties proposed in this bill will disproportionately impact marginalized communities, especially members of the LGBTQ community who already suffer from systematic biases within the criminal justice system, particularly when it comes to sexually based offenses.
The activists also highlighted that LGBTQ individuals are more likely to be charged with sex offenses compared to their heterosexual counterparts. They argued that measures like SB 1414 could lead to higher rates of incarceration, longer sentences, and increased difficulties in finding housing and employment. One activist voiced opposition to any punitive measure that perpetuates systemic injustices, advocating instead for investment in community-based solutions.
The bill, initially proposed by State Sen. Shannon Grove, aimed to make it a felony to solicit teenagers aged 17 and younger for sex. However, the Public Safety Committee, which passed the bill last week, diluted its original provisions, excluding 16 and 17-year-olds. The committee later revised the bill to include 16 and 17-year-olds, but with the stipulation that prosecutors must prove these teenagers were not only solicited for sex but were also victims of sex trafficking.
Grove criticized the committee's changes, telling KCRA 3, "I think Kevin McCarty is looking for a way to put 16- and 17-year-olds back in the bill and say he was successful, but he only damaged them further. As the bill continues to evolve, the question of its final form remains unanswered.
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