Skip to Content

California makes it illegal to remove condom without consent

A person holds a condom in the palm of their hand.
MGN
A person holds a condom in the palm of their hand.

By DON THOMPSON
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California has became the first state to prohibit “stealthing,” or removing a condom without permission during intercourse. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the law Thursday. It adds the act to the state’s civil definition of sexual battery, making it clear that victims can sue perpetrators, including for punitive damages. The law makes it illegal to remove a condom without obtaining verbal consent. Democratic Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia originally tried to make it a crime in 2017 after a study said acts of stealthing were increasing against both women and gay men. Legislative analysts said then that it could already be considered misdemeanor sexual battery, but was rarely prosecuted.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content