In much of the USA a 15yo girl can be prosecuted as an adult woman for prostitution.
I believe California is the only state that has outlawed prosecuting victims of child sex trafficking as adult prostitutes...and I recall an awful lot of FReepers were outraged over that idea.
“I believe California is the only state that has outlawed prosecuting victims of child sex trafficking as adult prostitutes...and I recall an awful lot of FReepers were outraged over that idea.”
California’s progressive policy actually hinders law enforcement from helping underage sex trafficking victims. Generally, when underage prostitutes are arrested, they receive help. Even if charges actually were made, and such victims were convicted of a crime—which I believe is never the case—as minors such convictions would be sealed and have no bearing on their future in terms of jobs, loans, financial aid for school, security clearances, etc.
If you are going to take away the ability to arrest them for prostitution, there better be some legal tool in place to take them into protective custody. I think California failed to do so. Thus, outrage from conservatives is a reasonable response.
Unfortunately, there are some on this forum who believe prostitution is a victimless crime.
Most states in the US have an age of consent of 16, as well, and CA is 18. So the state does get some things right.
Yes, a 60 year old man can legally have sex with a 16 or 17 year old high school girl in nearly all conservative states.