In Maine, a child can be sexually violated by an adult…

and the charge can still be a misdemeanor.

The maximum penalty for certain sexual offenses against minors can be less than one year in jail—and in some cases, may not require sex offender registration.

That is a gap in the law—and it puts children at risk.

No child should experience sexual harm and have the legal system respond with consequences that do not reflect the seriousness of that violation.

We are calling on the Maine Legislature to:

Reclassify all sexual offenses against minors as felony-level crimes

Require mandatory sex offender registration for any sexual offense involving a minor

Strengthen sentencing guidelines to reflect the true impact on victims

Close legal gaps that allow offenders to avoid serious consequences

This is not about one case.

This is about protecting all children in Maine.

Children deserve stronger protections. Families deserve accountability.

Sign this petition to demand change.