![California makes it illegal to remove a condom without consent, an act called 'stealthing'](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210429101605-durex-condoms-us-store---stock-super-tease.jpg)
California makes it illegal to remove a condom without consent, an act called 'stealthing'
CNN
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law Thursday making the state the first to prohibit "stealthing," or removing a condom during intercourse without a partner's verbal consent.
The new law makes the removal of a condom without consent a sexual assault, and affirms that the practice "causes long-term physical and emotional harms to its victims," according to State Assemb. Cristina Garcia, a Democrat and author of the bill.
Garcia, a longtime proponent of the law, said reports of stealthing were increasing among women and gay men. She said she hopes other states follow with similar legislation making clear that "stealthing is not just immoral but illegal."
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