Every child deserves to be shielded from the horrors of sexual exploitation. The overwhelming majority of Californians understand that 16 and 17 year olds are minors and not adults. California must act decisively to protect them. As a former crimes-against-children detective, I’ve witnessed the devastating toll of this crime—young lives shattered by being bought and sold for sex.
Making the purchase of 16- and 17- year olds for sex a felony is both just and common sense. I commend my colleagues in the majority for reversing their previous actions stripping protections for these kids. I am still dismayed we even had to have the threat of 16 and 17 year olds not being covered by this law. The voice of the people matters, protecting our kids matter and anyone selling children should face the highest penalties of the law.
While restoring the original penalties to this bill is a critical step forward, the fight isn’t over yet. This bill still has a long way to go and I will be working hard to see it pass. We must keep pushing to safeguard every child in California from exploitation.
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.
