Stronger Child Protection: New Rules for Kidnapping and Sexual Abuse.
This law significantly strengthens legal protections for minors against kidnapping and sexual abuse. It establishes that consent is not a defense for sexual offenses involving victims under 16, unless the offender proves they reasonably believed the victim was older. Furthermore, it expands the definition of kidnapping to include obtaining a minor through fraud or deception, enhancing the security of young citizens.
Key points
Consent is explicitly not a defense for sexual offenses involving victims under 16 years old, closing a major legal loophole.
Kidnapping definitions are expanded to include obtaining a minor through fraud or deceiving any person.
A new federal offense is created for intentional, non-clothed touching of the genitalia of a person under 16 with abusive or sexual intent.
Attempts to commit certain abusive sexual contact offenses now face the same penalties as completed offenses.
Expired
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