California Assembly Democrats are moving forward with a proposal to make buying sex from 16 and 17-year-olds a felony, reversing an earlier decision that had downgraded the offense to a misdemeanor.
The shift comes after intense pressure from Governor Gavin Newsom, other top Democrats, and Republican lawmakers, as well as public outcry over the perceived leniency toward sex trafficking of minors. The new bill also includes added protections for survivors. Previously, only buying sex from those 15 and under was a felony in California.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates over how best to protect minors from exploitation while ensuring laws are not misused.
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