Scott Wiener accused of pushing for exceptions in bill allowing sex offenders to serve in office
The progressive frontrunner to win Nancy Pelosi’s California congressional seat has been accused of adding shocking exceptions for pedophiles to a proposed state law that would prevent sex offenders from seeking political office.Critics grilled state Sen.Scott Wiener at a hearing on Tuesday on the new exemptions added to a California bill, AB 2691, which would block offenders convicted of felony sexual assault or human trafficking from elected office.The carveouts exclude from the definition of sexual assault involving a minor under 18 the acts of sodomy, oral copulation and sexual penetration, as well as individuals older than 21 engaging in sex acts with people younger than 16 who are automatically hit with felony charges.“Our honest reaction was that it could not be real.
We assume we’ve misread it.We sat in our office and tried to imagine how anyone could stand up and defend it,” said Greg Burt, vice president of the California Family Council, at the hearing.“So I’m here today generally hoping someone will tell us why crimes against children are being carved out of this bill.”The bill is one of two introduced by lawmakers this year to try to ban sex offenders from office.
The efforts came in response to outcry over a Fresno child sex offender, Rene Campost, who tried to run for city council, as well as revelations that former Rep.Eric Swalwell, once a leading candidate for governor, was accused of sexual misconduct.Conservative groups accused Wiener — who has recently been at the center of viral videos showing him being harassed by pro-Palestinian activists — for muddying efforts to block sex offenders from seeking office.David Bolog, who represents the Serving Family Values Alliance, said the exemptions forced his organization to oppose the bill.“It is now in contradiction with what it seems to be the intent of the author.
I’m baffled with this current legislation,” he said.“I don’t know how anybody thinks these exceptions, these...