Democratic Sen. Susan Eggman criticizes her party's attempt to dilute a bill targeting pedophiles, emphasizing the need to prioritize child protection over leniency in sentencing. (YouTube/Screenshot)
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A Democratic California state senator declared “I’m done with us,” as she criticized progressive members of her party for attempting to weaken a proposed law targeting pedophiles, as reported by the NY Post.
Democratic Sen. Susan Eggman of Stockton delivered a passionate speech on the Senate floor last Thursday while lawmakers considered a bill making it a felony to purchase or solicit a minor for commercial sex in California.
“I’d like to say as a progressive, proud member of this body for the last 12 years, I’m done. I’m done with us protecting people who would buy and abuse our children. I’m done,” said Eggman.
Eggman continued: “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. I’m tired of saying it’s OK and that we have to protect the men who do it.”
Related Story: Newsom Signs Grove’s Bill Making Child Sex Trafficking a Serious Felony
Buying or Soliciting Sex From a Child is Currently a Misdemeanor
Currently, buying or soliciting sex from a child in California is a misdemeanor with a penalty of two days to one year in jail and a $10,000 fine. Bill 1414, authored by GOP state Sen. Shannon Grove of Bakersfield and supported by Eggman, aims to increase this penalty to at least two to four years in prison and include sex offender registration.
Last month, some Democrats watered down the bill to make it a felony only for purchasing minors under 16, KCRA reported.
“I am not arguing that we open the gates to flood our prisons with people, but I am arguing that we have a moral responsibility to say, ‘Enough, enough,'” Eggman said as the issue returned to the Senate. “It’s not OK. And I’m not doing it anymore. And I hope none of you do too. We have to be able to draw a line.”
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The bill, which Gov. Gavin Newsom has signaled support for, passed the Senate 36-0 and is headed to the state Assembly. Eggman and Grove ended up voting for it.
Read more at the NY Post.
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