Anti-trafficking advocates call for repeal of California law SB 357

SAN DIEGO (CUSI). An anti-trafficking coalition has joined forces to call on Governor Gavin Newsom and California leaders to repeal Senate Bill 357.

Authored by California State Senator Scott Wiener, SB 357, it essentially makes “loitering with the intent to sell sex” legal. Viner only appears to be the author of the sex bills, but this particular legislation makes him a target for tough bipartisan opposition.

SB 357 was advertised as the “Safe Streets for All Act” before it was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Viner is a member of the LGBTQ community and uses this as an excuse for his legislation.

But on Thursday, National Civil Rights leader and Justice People’s Association president Rev. Shane Harris invited elected officials and various police chiefs to attend a press conference to urge Gov. Gavin Newsom to rescind SB 357.

During the press conference, many officials, including California Attorney General Bontu, San Diego Police Chief David Neesleith, National City Representative, California Police Chief Jose Tellez, and San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stefan, explained how the Wiener Act had hurt society.

State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) says the bill aims to combat disproportionate harassment of women and transgender adults, but Rev. Harris argues that “the purpose of the bill is instead to enable criminals to exploit vulnerable children.”

Harris called the spokesman after the Sex Trafficking Operation Better Pathways investigation led to the arrest of 48 people and the rescue of 8 children.

RELATED STORY: Sex trafficking investigation “Operation Better Pathways” leads to 48 arrests in San Diego County.