Joshua Casey 😷 @JoshuaACasey@social.cleverlibre.org

"In some ways, this perfectly illustrates a system we set up that winds up leaving nothing but trauma and harm in its wake, and yet we justify it in the name of 'protecting the children.'" https://reason.com/2023/04/03/poncha-springs-schoolhouse-daycare-kids-preschool-trial/

"Calling this mere 'name-calling,'... does not communicate what is so hateful about it. And it implies a lack of awareness of the slur’s role in a discourse of deliberate dehumanization of trans people" https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/04/03/lesley-stahl-interview-marjorie-taylor-greene-pedophile-slur/

It's no coincidence that many QAnon conspirators have turned out to be groomers - they're the ones who benefit when people fall for misinformation about abuse. That's why Prostasia and the prevention community rely on research and evidence to inform our approach.

There are two different sides when it comes to efforts to prevent child sexual abuse. One of them is committed to using research to find effective strategies for keeping kids safe. The other spends most of their time complaining about an acronym.

The Jenna Quinn Law to help prevent child sexual abuse has been introduced into Congress again, and once again it has our full support. Read more here, and watch out for a link to write to your representative soon. https://www.hassan.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hassan-cornyn-colleagues-introduce-the-jenna-quinn-law-to-help-prevent-child-abuse

A common tactic of predators is to portray themselves as being "safe" or "the good guy". It's no wonder why so many of these "predator hunters" end up getting outed as predators themselves https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/31/canada-arrest-pedophile-hunting-group-explicit-images

"This is the basic anatomy of a moral panic. Fear is powerful. Mass fear is nearly unstoppable. Even with truth, fear permeates and can overtake even the truest assessment of a societal issue." https://prostasia.org/blog/moral-panic-101-grooming-is-bunk/

"Free Speech Coalition has shared a new report – “Financial Discrimination and the Adult Industry” – which found that an overwhelming majority of adult industry workers have lost a bank account or financial tool due to their source of income." https://www.ynot.com/fsc-report-adult-workers-face-widespread-financial-discrimination-2/

Sexuality is a broad concept that includes sexual orientation, gender, kinks, fetishes, paraphilias, and more. Sexuality does not refer to behaviors or codes of morality. #prostasiadefines

Protecting children includes protecting them against bigotry

This is another example of right wing extremists using pedophilia as an insult term to spark moral panic where none need exist. Acts like this hinder the prevention of sexual violence. https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/03/30/gay-republican-chris-sander-same-sex-marriage/

"the current right-wing “grooming” narrative is a multifaceted talking point to lodge viewpoints against LGBTQ marriage, gender identity studies being taught in public schools and the prevalence of queer art and literature in mainstream culture." https://prostasia.org/blog/moral-panic-101-grooming-is-bunk/

The #EARNIT Act and #KOSA "are not likely to substantially improve online safety for children, yet all could have the unintended effect of exposing children to more harm while eroding all users’ online experience and raising constitutional concerns." https://www.americanactionforum.org/insight/assessing-child-online-safety-legislation/

Washington's Senate is considering HB 1394, Creating a developmentally appropriate response to youth who commit sexual offenses. The law emphasizes rehabilitation and will spare youth from lifetime sex offense registration over minor offenses. https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1394&Initiative=false&Year=2023