Whew! This week, California Governor Gavin Newsom has been on a roll! He’s signing bills left and right in order to make a huge effect in California. According to KTLA, Obama signed AB-453 today, which forbids the act of removing a condom without consent during intercourse, popularly known as “stealthing.” The law adds the act to the state’s civil definition of sexual battery, amending the state’s present civil code. Victims can sue perpetrators for damages, including punitive damages, under AB-453.
Additionally, it makes it illegal to remove condoms without verbal consent, however this will not be a felony under California law. Many individuals, including State Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, who supported the bill, can’t believe this isn’t already happening. “For the majority of people, it’s like, sure, it makes sense that this is wrong and it should be prohibited,” Christina said NPR. ‘I can’t believe that isn’t already illegal,’ a number of people said. Governor Newsom hasn’t signed all of the laws yet. According to reports, he also supported a second bill on rape presented by Assemblymember Garcia.
Bill AB-1171 would repeal and replace the provisions relating to spousal rape, making an act of sexual intercourse committed with a spouse punishable as rape. If the conduct satisfies the definition of rape, it is not rape if the two persons are married, with the exception of sexual intercourse with a person incapable of giving legal permission due to a mental condition or developmental or physical handicap. California is one of 11 states that separates spousal rape from other types of sexual assault.
