California Makes Removing Condom Without Verbal Consent Illegal

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Thursday that classifies the removal of a condom without consent as "sexual battery."

California has made it illegal to remove a condom during sex without verbal consent, a practice popularly known as "stealthing."

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill on Thursday that classifies the removal of a condom without consent as "sexual battery."

"By passing this bill, we are underlining the importance of consent," the governor's office said in a tweet.

Cristina Garcia, a member of the California assembly who introduced the bill, said it ensures that "stealthing isn't only immoral but illegal."