Ohio Democrats want to change the state’s ‘Child Enticement’ laws to make it harder for criminals to commit crimes.

Critics Slam Ohio Democrats’ Bill That Would Effectively Legalize Luring Children into Strangers’ Cars

Ohio Democrats are pushing for a legislative change that would decriminalize luring children into a vehicle unless the state can prove that the child was lured “with a sexual motivation.” This proposed change has raised concerns among critics, who argue that it would make it easier for predators to abduct children.

The Proposed Change

• The bill would amend the state’s criminal code to require that a person act with a sexual motivation to commit the offense of criminal child enticement.
• The proposed change removes a provision stating that adults must have permission of a child’s parent or guardian to entice the child into a vehicle.

The bill has been cosponsored by a quarter of Democrats in Ohio’s lower chamber and is currently being considered by the legislature’s Criminal Justice Committee. However, the bill is unlikely to become law as Republicans control vast majorities in both chambers of Ohio’s legislature.

Critics’ Concerns

Josh Williams, a Republican who is the vice chairman of the Criminal Justice Committee, has expressed shock and disbelief at the proposed legislation. He argues that the additional requirement that the state prove “sexual motivation” to convict will make the statute far “more difficult to prosecute” and effectively legalize attempted child abduction.

Williams questions the decision by Democrats to narrow the statute by taking out the requirement that adults have permission of a child’s parents before luring the child into a car. He believes that this legislation would make it easier for predators to commit crimes and is not criminal justice reform.

The Need for Amendment

There is a consensus that the state’s enticement law is in need of amending—the Ohio Supreme Court ruled in 2014 that it is unconstitutionally broad and can no longer be enforced. Richard Dell’Aquila, a Democrat who is the lead sponsor, told the Washington Free Beacon that this legislation stems from local law enforcement being unable to enforce existing criminal child enticement law because of the ruling on this statute.

Williams, however, believes that the statute can be updated without eliminating a parent’s right to press criminal charges against those attempting to prey on children. He looks forward to working with members of the Criminal Justice Committee to update Ohio’s child enticement laws.