California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized recent changes to legislation that would have made it a felony to solicit 16- and 17-year-olds for sex. He emphasized the need for uniformity in punishing sex predators and expressed disbelief that Democrats removed the felony provision for older minors. Newsom's unusual involvement in the process highlights his commitment to protecting minors and increasing penalties for sexual crimes, even when it contradicts his party's stance. Critics voiced concerns about the priorities of the Democratic party regarding children’s safety during legislative discussions.
"The law should treat all sex predators who solicit minors the same - as a felony, regardless of the intended victim's age," Newsom said in a statement first provided to KCRA.
"These are girls, and these are people that our society should be doing everything they can to protect," Assemblymember Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) said during the hearing. "So why are we protecting the predator?"
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