Bill > HB125

This bill creates a new crime in the state of Alabama, making it unlawful for clergy members to engage in certain sexual acts with children under the age of 19 or protected persons under the age of 22. The bill defines "clergy member" as any ordained, licensed, or commissioned minister, pastor, priest, rabbi, or practitioner of a bona fide established church or religious organization who regularly devotes a substantial portion of their time and abilities to their church or religious organization. The bill establishes various felony offenses, including engaging in sexual intercourse, sodomy, or sexual contact with a child, as well as soliciting, persuading, encouraging, harassing, or enticing a child to engage in sexual acts, and distributing or transmitting obscene material to a child. The bill also specifies that consent is not a defense to these charges.