State Representative Lee Halsey is working to pass it. invoice The law makes it illegal for clergy such as pastors, youth pastors and church leaders to engage in sexual activity with anyone under the age of 19, but the law also applies to school staff.

Halsey (R-Helena) said a 25-year-old woman from Alabama called attention to legal ambiguities that allow some criminals to avoid justice. She shared her story of being sexually abused by a pastor in 2015. They are 16 and 19 years old.

“It is essential that adults, particularly those in positions of power or influence, recognize that they must not abuse their authority to coerce or coerce young people into sexual or intimate relationships.” Halsey said. Yellow Hammer News.

“While I believe the vast majority of our state's clergy are upholding ethical standards, the enactment of HB125 will not only protect young people, but will also provide stronger enforcement against clergy who consider such reprehensible conduct.” It also acts as a deterrent.”

The bill would provide that it would be unlawful for a pastor, priest, rabbi, bishop, or other authorized clergy in a position of trust or authority to engage in sexual activity with an individual or protected person under the age of 19. ing. Under 22 years old.

This crime would be classified as a Class B felony. Distributing or soliciting sexually explicit material to a child is a class C felony, and solicitation can be a class B felony.

Hulsey said the bill would build on current law that prohibits school employees from having sexual relations with students under 19.

“The main reason for introducing this bill is that clergy use their position of trust to engage in sexual activity with minors, and even when they seek help for vague or unclear reasons, they do not seek help from lawyers or law enforcement.” “The law is unclear,'' Halsey said.

Halsey said the Southern Baptist Convention of Alabama, the Alabama Citizens Action Plan and the Alabama Attorney General's Office were consulted in the drafting of the bill.

As for Ivy Jeter, a woman who came forward and advocated for policy changes to reflect her personal experience since she was 13 years old, there is currently no legal recourse. Jeter, now 25, has started sharing her own story, thanks in part to Halsey's efforts.

“I was in complete control,” Jeter wrote in a Facebook post in September 2023, the day he decided to come forward.

“As the years went by and at the age of 16, grooming became physical and sexual. The first time he kissed me in the church parking lot, I knew it wasn't normal. The first time he touched me in the living room, I knew it wasn't normal.”

Jeter details the “life-threatening trauma” that still exists from a situation that was technically within Alabama law. She said it should change.

“So you're probably wondering what happened. Don't worry, we've reported it to the police in the city where it happened. But in Alabama, the age of consent is 16.” she wrote. “But from a legal perspective, I never said no, and I was never 'forced' to do it. Manipulation and grooming don't count in this case.”

HB125 advanced in committee last week and could be brought up for a full vote in the House this week.

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270