-Kierra Wilson- 

Cousins!

California has recently become the first state to expell stealthing, which is a term defining “nonconsenual removal of a condom during sex.”

Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law making it a civil offense under the state of California, when removing a condom without your partner’s consent.

According to NPR, State Assembly member Christina Garcia, who sponsored the legislation stated “For a majority of the people, it’s like, yeah it makes sense that this is immoral and it should be illegal.”

The legislature approved the bill without resistance. The Washington Post has offered information on a 2019 study; where it was reported that of the 500 women who surveyed, 12 percent said they have been with a partner who removed a condom without consent.

Reports read that the law amends state’s former definition of sexual battery to now include nonconsensual condom removal, identifying it as a civil offense. Victims officially have the right to sue their assailants and, if successful, to receive damages.

The light that is being shed on this topic is something that we are hoping will continue to be resolved.