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The Archdiocese of San Francisco is urging Catholics across California to rally behind a legislative effort that would make it a felony to purchase sex from 16- and 17-year-olds.
Under current California law, purchasing sex from 16- or 17-year-olds is only a misdemeanor, sometimes resulting in just a two-day jail sentence. California Assembly Bill 379 would reclassify that offense as a felony — a provision that has faced resistance in the state legislature.
“There are powerful men in the California Senate and Assembly who want to kill this provision,” the Archdiocese said in a recent press release.
The felony language was initially removed from the bill but reinserted after a public outcry. The bill has the conditional support of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has stated he will sign it if it reaches his desk in its current form.
Archdiocesan leaders are pressing for support of AB 379, describing it as a critical tool in the fight against human trafficking.
“Please join us in pressuring lawmakers to pass California Assembly Bill 379 with language that makes it a felony for men to purchase 16- and 17 year-olds for sex,” the Archdiocese urged.
In addition to the felony provision, AB 379 introduces a broader set of measures aimed at both reducing demand and supporting survivors, according to the California Catholic Conference. It creates misdemeanor penalties and a $1,000 fine for men who loiter to buy sex, directing those funds into a Survivor Support Fund to help victims rebuild their lives.
AB 379 promotes a “vertical prosecution” model — where the same prosecutor handles a trafficking case from start to finish — to create a trauma-informed legal process. And instead of arresting vulnerable individuals trapped in prostitution, the legislation provides access to diversion programs and support services.
“No one should have to trade the most personal and intimate of acts that is sex for basic human rights like food, water, shelter, or clothing,” the Conference stated. “Penalizing and fining men who loiter to buy sex, providing support funds and legal assistance to survivors, and diversion to help women leave prostitution will help break this cycle for the most vulnerable in our society.”
The bill also strengthens enforcement of business requirements to post trafficking awareness materials, including the human trafficking hotline.
After passing the Assembly May 15, AB 379 now awaits consideration in the State Senate, KCRA 3 News reported. A final vote has not yet been scheduled, but Senate leadership has indicated the bill will likely be heard in June.
Those who want to support the bill can contact lawmakers through the California Catholic Conference’s portal.
