Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from around the country.
From Failed to Approved, Assembly Revives Sex Abuse Bill (The Sacramento Bee)
A California bill that would remove the statue of limitations for sex abuse cases for one year has been revived. Though SB 131 was struck down last week in the Appropriations Committee, the vote for its reconsideration was passed. It will now head to the full Assembly for a floor vote.
County Clerk in New Mexico Issues Marriage Licenses to Same Sex Couples (New York Times)
A New Mexico county clerk began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples even as the courts continue to debate the legality of doing so. Currently, the state’s definition of marriage includes no mention of gender though the marriage applications require couples to list a bride and a groom. Though the Attorney General will not stop any clerk from issuing such licenses, they could be invalidated if the New Mexico Supreme Court eventually rules that same sex marriage is not allowed.
Porn Industry Sets Moratorium after Positive HIV Test (USA Today)
The adult film industry is on hold after an actor tested positive for HIV on Wednesday. The performer is not thought to have received the infection on a film set and the actor’s partners are being tested. Filming will being again when the risk of disease transmission has been eliminated. Criticism came quickly from industry opponents, especially those who have lobbied for the enforced use of condoms on set.
Minnesota Supreme Court Sides with HIV-Positive Man (ABC News)
An HIV-positive man accused of passing the virus to another man was acquitted on Wednesday based on the argument that the statue under which he was convicted did not apply to sexual acts. Gay rights supporters cheered the outcome saying it represents the need for government to respect the decisions of consenting adults. Prosecutors, on the other hand, argue that the defendant is a sexual predator. He has four additional cases pending against him.
Pinellas Commission Passes Protections for Transgender People (Tampa Bay Times)
On Tuesday, the Pinellas County Commissioners voted almost unanimously to replace ‘sex’ with ‘gender’ in the county’s human rights laws. This change will provide transgendered individuals the same protections as those based on race, for example. Religious institutions, public schools, and businesses with less than five employees are exempt from the law. Neither the country nor businesses are required to build extra unisex bathrooms. Similar protections are being pursued in Miami-Dade County.
Orange County Targets Customers in Fight Against Human Trafficking (LA Times)
Since stricter human trafficking laws went into effect in CA this January, Orange County officials are not only going after pimps but also their customers. The district attorney’s website features names of men suspected of soliciting sex, descriptions of alleged pimps’ arrest, and stories of trafficking survivors. Advocates for survivors are not completely on board with this approach, feeling that it may push soliciters further underground. Other changes, such as fining offenders to fund social services for survivors, are also being put into effect.
Petition Calls for Change to Domestic Violence Law after Martel Murder (Boston Magazine)
Bostonions are calling for changes in state law regarding when offenders are released after committing certain crimes. The petition results from the murder of a Waltham woman the day after her partner was arrested for assaulting her. The author of the petition hopes that abusers will no longer be freed without bail within 24 hours of a repeat offense. The petition, which has over 500 signatures, is being sent to state officials.