In South Carolina, once a child turns 16, there is no legal limit on how old their partner can be. That means a 16- or 17-year-old minor can legally be involved with an adult of any age. This is not protection. This is a dangerous loophole. Across the country, many states have already taken action to prevent exploitation by establishing age-gap protections—laws that limit how much older a partner can be when a minor is involved. For example: • In Florida, a 16- or 17-year-old cannot legally be with someone 24 or older. • In Texas, the allowable age difference is limited to about 3 years. • In Tennessee, protections limit relationships to roughly a 4-year age gap. • In Colorado, penalties increase as the age gap widens. These laws are designed to protect minors—not punish them. Research consistently shows that large age-gap relationships involving minors are linked to higher risks of manipulation, coercion, and exploitation. Law enforcement and trafficking investigations frequently identify these dynamics as early indicators of grooming. A 16- or 17-year-old is still developing emotionally and cognitively. When paired with a significantly older adult, the imbalance in power, experience, and influence can create an environment where exploitation thrives. We are calling for a clear, reasonable solution: 👉 Prohibit sexual relationships between minors aged 16–17 and individuals who are 5 or more years older This approach: • Protects minors from predatory behavior • Preserves normal, close-in-age teen relationships • Gives law enforcement clearer tools to intervene • Aligns South Carolina with protections already in place in other states This is not about restricting teenagers. This is about protecting them from adults. A child’s safety should not depend on their zip code. We urge lawmakers in South Carolina to close this gap and enact age-gap protections for minors. Add your name to support stronger protections for our youth.