The state Assembly took a first step Tuesday toward making it illegal to publish or post photographs or images of minors younger than 18 on Internet Web sites containing obscene material without their consent.
AB2104, passed out of the Assembly public safety committee Tuesday with unanimous support, is in response to an Orange County Register investigation earlier this year that revealed that dozens of non-action photos of boys high school water polo players from Orange County and other Southern California schools were posted on gay porn Web sites from as far away as Australia.
The legislation, authored by Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, R-Santa Clarita, would make preparing, posting or publishing a photograph or image of a minor on adult Web sites a crime punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
"I am very pleased that we have now taken the first step in stopping these predators from participating in this disturbing behavior," said Smyth, who added that Assemblyman Jose Solorio, D-Santa Ana, chairman of the public safety committee, was instrumental in moving the legislation forward.
"Aside from the psychological impact, there could also be a serious safety issue," Smyth continued. "When you look at these Web sites you can see El Toro High School right on the (player's) cap, so it's easy to find them and poses a serious threat to the athlete as well."
Members of the water polo community said they were encouraged that the legislation is moving forward.
"Fantastic," said La Donna Verloop, a Foothill High parent. "The boys felt hopeless believing that nothing could be done. Kids shouldn't feel that way."
Photographs credited to Scott Cornelius, a UC Irvine police dispatcher, appeared on a number of gay porn sites. Cornelius remains on paid leave while the university conducts an investigation into his involvement in the matter.
The bill could be introduced on the floor of the Assembly for a vote by as early as next month.
