Rep. Stephanie Dietz said her bill will close a loophole used to victimize children. (LRC Public Information)
FRANKFORT — A House bill that would make it a felony to knowingly own a child sex doll in Kentucky passed the Senate Judiciary committee unanimously Thursday morning.
House Bill 207 passed the House in early February and is making its way through the Senate. It can now go to the floor for consideration. Should it pass there, it will head to Gov. Andy Beshear’s desk for a signature or veto.
The bill would make it a Class D felony to knowingly own or sell a child sex doll — defined as a doll, mannequin or robot that is intended for sexual stimulation or gratification and that has the features of, or has features that resemble those of, a minor.
It also criminalizes the use of artificial intelligence to create child pornography or to create fake images that use real children as the source.
Edgewood Republican Rep. Stephanie Dietz said in committee that her bill “closes a loophole that has allowed pedophiles to practice victimization of children.”
“This bill,” she said, “will save countless children from rape, sexual abuse and trafficking.”
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Sarah Ladd
Sarah Ladd is a Louisville-based journalist from West Kentucky who's covered everything from crime to higher education. She spent nearly two years on the metro breaking news desk at The Courier Journal. In 2020, she started reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic and has covered health ever since. As the Kentucky Lantern's health reporter, she focuses on mental health, LGBTQ+ issues, children's welfare, COVID-19 and more.
Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
