Freedom
California Assembly Blocks Bill on Human Trafficking of Teens
In a move that raises serious concerns about the protection of our most vulnerable, California Democrats in the State Assembly have once again blocked a crucial bill aimed at making the sex trafficking of minors a felony. This time, the focus is on victims aged 16 and 17. The decision to block this bill highlights the ongoing debate between those who seek to uphold justice and those influenced by the ideals of “criminal justice reform.”
Republican State Senator Shannon Grove from Bakersfield has been a steadfast advocate for protecting minors from the horrors of sex trafficking. Her proposed bill aimed to classify the sex trafficking of minors as a “serious felony,” a move that received unanimous support in the State Senate. However, the Democrats on the State Assembly’s Public Safety Committee have consistently obstructed its progress, citing a reluctance to increase criminal penalties.
This obstruction is not just a political maneuver; it is a moral failing. It is a refusal to stand up for the innocent and to hold accountable those who exploit them. The reluctance to enforce stricter penalties is particularly troubling given the influence of certain prosecutors who have shown a tendency to avoid enforcing the law under the guise of reform.
Assemblyman Nick Shultz, the Democratic chairman of the committee, stated, “My perspective as chair, there was a carefully crafted deal last year.” This deal, struck in 2024, allowed the bill to advance but only for victims under the age of 16. Now, as State Assemblymember Maggy Krell attempts to extend these protections to 16 and 17-year-olds, her efforts are met with resistance from her own party.
The refusal to advance this bill is a disservice to the youth of California. It is a denial of justice for those who have suffered unimaginable exploitation. Furthermore, it highlights a troubling trend where the safety of children is compromised in favor of political agendas.
The proposed bill, even in its current form, seeks to address some of the damage caused by a 2022 bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. That legislation prevented police from arresting prostitutes for loitering, leading to a surge in street prostitution and, alarmingly, child sex trafficking. The rollback of this bill is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough.
This issue is further complicated by efforts from individuals like State Senator Scott Wiener, who has pushed to decriminalize various sex crimes involving minors, arguing that these laws disproportionately affect certain communities. While it is essential to ensure fairness and equality, it is equally crucial to protect children from exploitation and harm.
We must continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our children. We must hold our leaders accountable and demand that they act in the best interests of our communities. It is our duty to uphold the values of faith, family, and freedom, ensuring that justice prevails for the most vulnerable among us.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Senior Met officer commended PC Moule for upholding Christian preacher’s free speech amid protests in Whitechapel.
- PC Moule affirmed Britain’s freedom of speech law in viral video against angry crowd claiming a “Muslim area.”
- Met’s past arrest of Pastor Sherwood for preaching Genesis 1:27 on God’s family design reveals anti-Christian bias.
A senior Metropolitan Police officer praised the constable who protected a Christian street preacher’s right to proclaim Biblical truths in east London.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist highlighted PC Moule’s calm enforcement of free speech at the London Assembly’s police committee.
Susan Hall commended the officer for reminding citizens of free speech principles.
“Thank you for noting the great work of PC Moule who was in Whitechapel,” Twist replied. “My view is it was a good example of officers showing policing common sense without fear or favour and doing a good job.”
“In this country, we have freedom of speech,” PC Moule stated firmly to the protesting crowd.
In contrast, the Met arrested 71-year-old Pastor John Sherwood in 2021 for preaching near Uxbridge station that God’s ordained family consists of father and mother.
Charged under Section 5 of the Public Order Act for alleged homophobic speech, Sherwood was acquitted in 2022 via Article 10 Human Rights Act protections.
This pattern reflects institutional capture by ideologies hostile to Christian morality and Britain’s patriotic heritage of Gospel proclamation.
Toby Young of Free Speech Union called PC Moule exceptional, deserving a medal for upholding Article 10 rights despite pressure.
Orthodox Christians must pray fervently for radical reform in the Met to safeguard street evangelism and family values rooted in Scripture.
Faith Facts
- ADF International champions X’s appeal against a 120 million euro EU Digital Services Act fine for transparency issues.
- EU probes X for not curbing “illegal content,” like Germany’s politician insult laws carrying up to three years in prison.
- X claims denied due process and prosecutorial bias in first-ever DSA fine challenge, protecting God-given free speech.
Elon Musk’s X platform fights a massive EU penalty from December 5, upholding transparency while facing probes over alleged false information.
Christian advocates highlight how DSA’s vague rules enable speech suppression, echoing Biblical calls to speak truth boldly against tyrannical control.
Dr Adina Portaru, senior counsel for ADF International in Europe, said,
“X is being targeted by the European Commission because it is a free speech platform.”
“Social media platforms are today’s public square, and the DSA threatens speech in that public square.”
“X is where millions of people go to freely express their views. This is a crackdown on X by authorities who view a free speech platform as a serious threat to their total control of online narratives.”
“By targeting X, they are targeting the free speech of individuals across the world who simply want to share ideas online free from censorship.”
She added,
“If the Commission’s concentration of power goes unchallenged, it will further cement a highly problematic standard for speech control across the EU and beyond.”
In a statement, X declared,
“This EU Decision resulted from an incomplete and superficial investigation, grave procedural errors, a tortured interpretation of the obligations under the DSA, and systematic breaches of rights of defence and basic due process requirements suggesting prosecutorial bias.”
“This landmark case is the first judicial challenge to a DSA fine and could set important precedents for enforcement, penalty calculations, and fundamental rights protections under the 2022 regulation. X remains committed to user safety and transparency while defending our users’ access to the only global town square.”
Patriotic Americans and believers must rally against EU overreach exporting censorship, safeguarding faith-driven discourse in the digital public square.
Faith Facts
- Turkey has expelled or denied entry to at least 300 foreign Christian pastors, missionaries, and their families in recent years.
- European lawmakers have raised serious concerns about Turkey’s actions and called for protection of religious freedom.
- Christian advocates and rights groups are urging Turkish authorities to allow due process and uphold respect for all faiths.
Turkey’s recent decision to expel foreign Christians has drawn attention from the international Christian community, highlighting ongoing challenges to religious liberty in the region. European lawmakers have united in support of religious freedom, defending the right of believers to minister and worship without interference.
The faithful in cities like Izmir continue to celebrate Christmas and gather publicly, reflecting the enduring strength and unity of Christian families. Despite these trials, those affected hold onto their faith, standing as a testament to perseverance rooted in Biblical hope.
During debate in the European Parliament, Tomislav Sokol said,
“These deportations of Christians in Turkey for reasons of national security are one more attack on Christians, the most persecuted religious minority around the world.”
ADF International and other faith-based advocates maintain that many deportees had lawfully resided in Turkey for years with no criminal cases, challenging the practice as inconsistent with religious freedom principles. The Christian community continues to call for prayer and advocacy to safeguard believers across the globe.
As the European Court of Human Rights reviews pending cases, concerned Christians everywhere are encouraged to remain steadfast, praying for justice and the preservation of religious liberty for families affected.
Stand with fellow Christians facing adversity—pray for their strength, spread awareness, and speak up for freedom of faith.
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