CA Democrat criticizes other Democrats before voting to make child solicitation a felony.
California Democratic state Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman recently made a bold statement urging her progressive colleagues to support a Republican-led bill that would make it a felony to solicit a child for sex. Eggman, who has been a proud member of the senate for the past 12 years, expressed her frustration and determination to protect children from exploitation.
During a Senate session, Eggman passionately stated, “I’m done with us protecting people who would buy and abuse our children. I’m done. I don’t want to send more Black and brown men to prison. I don’t want more people in prison, but I don’t want people buying girls. I don’t want people buying little girls anymore, and I’m tired of saying it’s OK and that we have to protect the men who do it.”
The bill in question, Senate Bill 1414, was introduced by Republican state Sen. Shannon Grove in collaboration with Democratic state senators Anna Caballero and Susan Rubio. This bill aims to classify soliciting or purchasing sex from children aged 15 and under as either a misdemeanor or felony, with the possibility of jail time as a consequence.
For individuals aged 16-17, the offense is considered a misdemeanor. However, repeat offenders with a substantial age gap with the victim must register as tier one sex offenders upon their second offense. This bill toughens the penalties for child trafficking, upgrading it from a misdemeanor to a felony charge, carrying a maximum penalty of four years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Despite initial challenges faced by the bill, including amendments that limited proposed charges to children younger than 15, it ultimately passed the state Senate with resounding support. Even Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his backing for the bill, signaling a united front in the fight against child exploitation.
Sen. Shannon Grove, the driving force behind SB 1414, expressed disappointment in the revised version of the bill that excluded certain crucial amendments. Grove emphasized the importance of treating the crime of purchasing a child for sex as a prison felony, asserting that all children in California deserve protection from the horrors of sex trafficking.
In a statement, Grove criticized legislative leadership for succumbing to political pressure and failing to prioritize the safety of children. She emphasized the need to restore the bill in the Assembly to ensure comprehensive protection for all children in the state.
The proposed amendments to SB 1414 strive to eliminate loopholes and enhance the repercussions for individuals involved in soliciting or purchasing sex from minors of any age. By closing these gaps and implementing stricter penalties, the bill seeks to send a clear message that child exploitation will not be tolerated in California.
As the battle against child trafficking and exploitation continues, the collaborative efforts of lawmakers from both sides of the political spectrum highlight the importance of prioritizing child safety and welfare above all else. With the support of dedicated individuals like Sen. Eggman and Sen. Grove, California is taking proactive steps to protect its most vulnerable population – its children.
