California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has done the unthinkable by repealing his own controversial law, which had been accused of fueling the very sex trafficking it sought to mitigate.
At a Glance
- Governor Newsom repeals SB 357, a law he originally signed, due to rising sex trafficking concerns.
- AB 379 restores penalties for loitering with intent to purchase sex and increases penalties for soliciting sex from minors.
- Bipartisan support emerges for the repeal, uniting Democrats and Republicans.
- The repeal sparks debate over public safety versus civil rights in California.
Newsom’s Surprising Reversal
Governor Gavin Newsom has reversed his 2022 decision that decriminalized loitering for the purpose of prostitution. The original law, SB 357, aimed to protect marginalized groups from police harassment. However, critics claimed it contributed to a surge in street prostitution and exacerbated sex trafficking, particularly of minors. Now, with the signing of AB 379 in July 2025, Newsom has restored misdemeanor penalties for loitering with intent to purchase sex and increased penalties for those soliciting minors, unless the perpetrator is within three years of the victim’s age.
This repeal comes as a surprising move from Newsom, known for his progressive stances, and hints at a shift towards centrist policies as he eyes a potential presidential run. The decision reflects growing concerns over public safety and the apparent failure of SB 357 to protect vulnerable populations effectively.
Political Dynamics and Stakeholders
The repeal of SB 357 garnered bipartisan support, uniting moderate Democrats and Republicans in California’s legislature. This alliance underscores the increasing divide within the Democratic Party, where progressive ideals often clash with public safety priorities. Key figures like State Senator Scott Wiener, who authored SB 357, and Assemblymember Maggy Krell, who pushed for tougher penalties for soliciting minors, play critical roles in this ongoing debate.
While sex worker and LGBTQ advocacy groups initially supported the decriminalization to reduce discrimination, anti-trafficking advocates and some lawmakers argued that the law inadvertently facilitated exploitation, especially of minors. Newsom’s decision to sign AB 379 reflects an attempt to balance civil rights with the urgent need to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Impact and Implications
In the short term, law enforcement will likely increase activity targeting street prostitution and solicitation. While this may reduce visible street prostitution, it raises concerns about renewed police harassment of marginalized groups. The immediate legal consequences for those soliciting minors will be felt, yet the long-term impact remains uncertain.
California’s move to restore penalties could influence national policy debates on sex work decriminalization and trafficking prevention. The decision highlights the ongoing tension between ensuring public safety and protecting civil rights, a balance that remains elusive in policy-making circles.
Conclusion
Governor Newsom’s repeal of his own law marks a significant political and policy shift in California. It underscores the complexities of addressing sex trafficking while safeguarding civil rights. As the state navigates these challenges, the broader implications for national policies on sex work and trafficking prevention continue to unfold. Whether this move strengthens Newsom’s political standing or opens new fronts in the debate over public safety and civil rights, only time will tell.
