A former California State Senator with close ties to Vice President Kamala Harris, Mark Leno, once introduced legislation that would have reduced penalties for the possession of child pornography. Leno’s controversial policy positions, which many viewed as disturbingly lenient toward sex offenders, have resurfaced, raising concerns about his influence and his connection to prominent political figures like Harris.
Mark Leno, a California Democrat who served in the state legislature, is known for having advanced several legislative proposals that were seen as overly permissive when it came to issues of sexual crimes. In particular, Leno sponsored a bill, AB 50, which proposed that individuals caught with fewer than 100 pieces of child pornography could be exempt from felony charges. Instead, they would face reduced penalties. This measure caused outrage, with many arguing that it endangered children by going soft on sex offenders.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was serving as an Assembly Republican leader at the time, was one of the many voices to speak out against Leno’s bill. McCarthy highlighted how flawed the proposed law was, pointing out that it allowed individuals possessing large amounts of illegal content to avoid serious consequences. According to McCarthy, under the proposed legislation, even a compact disc containing 1,000 images of child pornography would count as just one piece, making it easier for offenders to evade felony charges.
Leno’s lenient stance on child pornography was not his only controversial policy position. He also played a key role in blocking legislation designed to keep convicted child molesters from being released early from Atascadero State Hospital, a facility that houses some of California’s most dangerous sexual predators. After the California State Senate unanimously passed SB 864, which sought stricter commitments for these offenders, Leno, along with two other legislators, killed the bill in committee. This decision, seen by many as favoring dangerous criminals over protecting vulnerable children, further cemented Leno’s reputation as an “ultraliberal” legislator who prioritized the rights of sex offenders over public safety.
Even prominent Democrats criticized Leno’s policies. Political analyst Pat Caddell described Leno’s “100 exemptions for child porn” as “insane.” This bipartisan backlash underscored the extreme nature of Leno’s positions, which were out of step with much of the public and the broader political establishment.
Despite these controversies, Leno received praise from Kamala Harris, who was California’s Attorney General during his time in the legislature. When Leno announced his retirement from politics in 2016, Harris publicly lauded his work, particularly for what she described as his efforts to “secure a better future for California’s most vulnerable children.” In a statement released from her office, Harris referred to Leno as a “dear friend,” and in a follow-up tweet, she expressed her gratitude for his 14 years of service in the state legislature.
While Leno’s legislative history is raising eyebrows now, the close relationship between him and Harris is also attracting attention. Critics are questioning how someone who promoted such lenient policies for sex offenders could receive public praise from the current Vice President.
As Harris continues her political career, her past associations with figures like Leno will likely be examined more closely, especially when it comes to her positions on public safety and protecting vulnerable populations. The resurfacing of Leno’s legislative history serves as a reminder of the long-term impact of political alliances, particularly when those alliances involve controversial policy choices.
Leno and Harris have maintained a close relationship for over two decades, according to both of their social media posts and old news articles.
(Kamala Harris/Mark Leno- Photo Credit/ https///www.flickr.com/photos/lynnfriedman/9162410777 — Lynn Friedman “Mark Leno and Kamala Harris Share an Emotional Moment at City Hall During the First Legal Gay Marriage Performed in 2013.”)
In 2003, Leno campaigned with Harris during her run for San Francisco District Attorney.
“With less name recognition than Hallinan and Fazio, Harris is taking her message to the streets. Saturday, she campaigned through the Castro with queer leaders including Assemblyman Mark Leno, Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club co-chair Theresa Sparks, Hank Wilson and Martha Knutzen,” The San Fransisco Examiner wrote in 2003.
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