Reps. Khanna, Torres, and Maloney Introduce Consent Is Key and Stealthing Act to Combat Sexual Violence

Press Release

Representatives Ro Khanna (CA-17), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), and Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) this week introduced two bills, the Consent is Key Act and Stealthing Act of 2022, to help protect victims of nonconsensual condom removal, known as "stealthing'.

The Consent is Key Act will encourage states to voluntarily pass laws authorizing civil damages for survivors of nonconsensual condom removal by increasing funding levels for federal domestic violence prevention programs in states that pass these laws. The Stealthing Act of 2022 will create a federal civil right of action for survivors of nonconsensual condom removal. Both pieces of legislation were inspired by California's ban on nonconsensual removal of a condom during sex, which passed in 2021.

"Stealthing or nonconsensual condom removal is a violation of trust and dignity and a dangerous form of sexual assault. We need to do more to protect victims," said Rep. Khanna. "I'm proud to introduce these bills with Reps. Torres and Maloney to help provide victims with support and open up a path for legal action."

"Consent is key, it is that simple," said Rep. Torres. "Nonconsensual condom removal is sexual violence that can have lifelong consequences, and survivors of such violence deserve to have their voices heard, and deserve justice. This legislation will ensure survivors can turn to the courts for relief and will boost federal domestic violence programs to help as many survivors as possible. Everyone deserves to have their autonomy respected."

"Stealthing is a grave violation of autonomy, dignity, and trust that is considered emotional and sexual abuse," said Rep. Maloney. "Congress has an obligation to address stealthing at the federal level and allow survivors to hold those that have stealthed them accountable. Stealthing is a horrific act of sexual violence and must be put to an end."

"It's On Us applauds Reps. Maloney, Torres, and Khanna for introducing this package of bills to address stealthing," said Silvia Zenteno, Senior Director of Education and Research, It's On Us. "Nonconsensual condom removal is a violation of bodily autonomy and can lead to lifetime consequences for survivors including sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, and pregnancy. It's On Us is committed to working to end campus sexual assault through prevention education and these bills continue to raise awareness about this harmful practice. The Stealthing Act and the Consent is Key Act will help survivors feel that they have options for support, that they are not alone, and that healing is possible."

"Stealthing is a horrific act that is too common within this country. The act of stealthing is disrespecting someone's trust, placing that person at risk for unwanted pregnancies and STDs," said Samantha Cadet, Director of Federal Affairs for RAINN. "We applaud Representatives Carolyn Maloney, Norma Torres, and Ro Khanna for introducing the Stealthing Act and the Consent is Key Act. These pieces of legislation will address stealthing as a violation of personal autonomy and deserving of legal recognition."

"The National Women's Law Center (NWLC) is proud to support these important bills that center consent and identify the harm caused by nonconsensual condom removal by providing survivors with an avenue for legal relief after experiencing it," said Shiwali Patel, Director of Justice for Student Survivors & Senior Counsel for NWLC. "We are grateful for the leadership and advocacy in naming this harm and recognizing a right to not be treated this way."

"The Stealthing Act and the Consent is Key Act affirm for survivors of sexual assault that they have the right to over their sexual and bodily autonomy," said, Kenyora Parham, Executive Director, End Rape On Campus. "Nonconsensual condom removal exposes survivors to a myriad of physical and mental health risks, and the violates their dignity and autonomy. These bills will provide critical recourse for student survivors of sexual assault, especially those who have been historically marginalized and underserved. End Rape on Campus is proud to support these bills."

"Stealthing hijacks the reproductive system of the victim through malicious deception," said Joyce M. Short, Founder and Director of the Consent Awareness Network. "Consent is "Freely Given, Knowledgeable and Informed Agreement, #FGKIA.' Employing trickery in sexual contact flies in the face of the basic premise of "consent' and should be considered a sexual assault against the victim. Beyond the defilement the victim feels, causing them an unwanted pregnancy is an irreparable harm."

The legislation is supported by: National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, National Women's Law Center, Consent Awareness Network, End Rape on Campus, RAINN, Every Voice Coalition, Faith Trust Initiative, Feminist Majority Foundation, It's On Us, Jewish Women International, love is respect, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Council of Jewish Women, National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, Power to Decide, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, Sexuality Information Education Council of the U.S, Ujima Inc., The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, Alexandra Brodsky (in her personal capacity), and Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health.

Original co-sponsors include Representatives Alma Adams, Nanette Diaz Barragan, Karen Bass, Earl Blumenauer, Suzanne Bonamici, Anthony Brown, Andre Carson, Troy A. Carter, Sr., Sean Casten, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Judy Chu, Yvette D. Clarke, Danny K. Davis, Jesús G. "Chuy" García, Raul Grijalva, Ann Kuster, John B. Larson, Barbara Lee, Ted W. Lieu, Stephen F. Lynch, Grace Meng, Gwen Moore, Marie Newman, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Katie Porter, Jan Schakowsky, Melanie Stansbury, Mark Takano, Rashida Tlaib, David Trone, Nydia Velazquez, and Bonnie Watson Coleman.

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