I have never been more angry and disturbed by actions taken on the Assembly Floor this morning. Once again, the Majority party made a choice to stand by criminals and against victims. I do not understand why my colleagues in the Majority continue to believe that 16 and 17-year-old children shouldn’t be afforded the same protections as children 15 years old and younger. Purchasing or trafficking any minor of any age for sex should be a felony. Period.
Let’s be honest. The only bipartisan action taken today was the dissent of this shameful decision by the majority party to say 16—and 17-year-olds shouldn’t have the same protections as children younger in age. I thank my Democratic colleagues who joined Republicans today in supporting protecting 16—and 17-year-olds. I ask my Democratic colleagues who did not join us today one simple question: If you are serious about protecting 16—and 17 year-old kids, why not just protect them under the same laws as kids 15 and younger? It seems pretty simple to me.
As a co-author of AB 379, I will continue to fight for the merits of the original bill.
Assemblymember Juan Alanis represents the 22nd Assembly District, which includes the communities of Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, Denair, Patterson, Gustine, Newman, Hilmar, Ballico, Snelling, Keyes, Grayson, Crows Landing, Diablo Grande, Stevinson, & Empire.
