A series of Facebook advertisements funded by California Democrats claim that Republicans oppose robust laws designed to protect victims of sex trafficking who are aged 16 and 17. These ads started showing up on social media after recent votes in the California Legislature, which blocked Democratic leaders from advancing AB 379.
The ads feature the names and images of state Republican lawmakers, asserting that these “older teens” are being prioritized by the party over their safety.
AB 379, crafted by Democrat Congressman Maggie Krell, aimed to target those purchasing minors for sex trafficking and to ensure penalties were aligned with those imposed on traffickers. Following a vote by the Democratic-controlled Congressional Public Safety Commission, the bill’s advancement faltered due to concerns about a felony provision for individuals soliciting older teens.
Krell, a former prosecutor who has dealt with human trafficking cases, mentioned being compelled to drop felony provisions to get the law moving. She expressed strong opposition to this revision, emphasizing her commitment to working with survivors and law enforcement to safeguard all minors.
Recently, Democrats stripped key provisions from the bill, a move that Krell criticized, stating that the intention is to enhance protections for victims aged 16 and 17.
Several Republican lawmakers have countered the claims from Democrats, arguing that their party does indeed support protections for children. Congressman Josh Hoover, one of those targeted in the ads, accused the Democrats of trying to mislead the public.
He argued that the ads serve as a distraction from the Democrats’ record on public safety, stating he has fought for stronger protections and accountability for all minors under the law.
The advertisement campaign appears linked to Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. The California Democrats have been approached for comment regarding this issue.
AB 379 emerged in response to recent laws that excluded 16- and 17-year-olds from protections that made it a felony to buy minors under 15 for sex. Previously, California legislation aimed to prohibit the purchase of minors for sex but did not encompass these older teens.
At present, it is traffickers who face the most severe penalties when convicted of trafficking individuals under 18. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom expressed support for strict measures against those seeking to exploit minors.
Some Republican representatives, including Joe Patterson and Kate Sanchez, criticized the state’s Democratic leaders, asserting that they have failed to adequately address issues like public safety, the cost of living, and homelessness.
Patterson remarked that the Democrats’ tactics amount to a series of misleading statements, while Sanchez noted that the current narrative, spun by Democrats, could be challenged by factual reporting.
The National Republican Congressional Committee also highlighted the situation, with spokesperson Christian Martinez accusing California Democrats of siding with predators rather than protecting children.
Krell reiterated that she supports including protections for 16- and 17-year-olds in any relevant proposals, regardless of whether her name is attached to the bill.
