Lawmakers Want To Recognize Stealthing as Sexual Assault

Stealthing should be considered sexual assault, lawmakers say

Stealthing is a dangerous new sexual trend which, despite meaning non-consensual condom removal, is not illegal. Now, lawmakers in 2 states in the US want to introduce new legislation addressing the problem and recognize this technique as sexual assault. Once this happens, men will be charged if they engage in such a sexual activity.

Lawmakers teamed up to make stealthing illegal

When the new bills are accepted, women will have a way to defend themselves against stealthing and make the aggressor pay. One of the lawmakers involved, State Rep. Melissa Sargent, stresses the importance of recognizing this trend as sexual assault. People need to pay if they act without the consent of their sexual partner.

“This behavior is predatory and disturbing, and people should know we [legislators] not only find it reprehensible, but that we won’t tolerate it,” mentioned Melissa Sargent

Sargent says everybody can be affected by this new trend. She uses gender-neutral language so that every victim should feel supported, regardless of their gender identity. The press release did not mention any punishment for the aggressors but, in Wisconsin for instance, sexual assault is charged with up to 60 years in prison.

The bill will also concern the victims of this type of sexual assault

Sargent says she is not working alone. She is collaborating with Alexandra Brodsky, the author of the study on stealthing. This is what determined the lawmakers to recognize this trend as sexual assault. The State Rep. is working on a special bill for the victims as well. She wants to helps them with the cost of therapy, STI testing, AIDS testing, and pregnancy.

Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia proposed a similar legislation in California, which would regard stealthing as rape. Garcia thinks the trend needs to end now, so she supports such extreme measures to make aggressors either stop or pay for their actions. Doing something to a person without their consent should count as a criminal offense.

Image source: Wikipedia