Bill To Protect Those With Disabilities From Sexual Exploitation Receives Backlash

A bill in the Massachusetts legislature was intended to prevent people with disabilities from being sexually exploited. But the way the legislation is worded created a national firestorm among senior citizens and people with disabilities who say it would curtail their right to sexual expression.

The bill limits the rights of people who have been deemed mentally incompetent and who are over the age of 60 or have a disability to consent to sexually suggestive photographs, much like states limit the rights of children to consent to such activities.

However, portions of the bill fail to specify mental competency as a qualifier, leading many to worry that the legislation could restrict older residents and people with disabilities who are fully capable of making decisions for themselves, reports The Boston Globe. To read more click here.