Wisconsin lawmaker faces backlash over anti-grooming law vote

Wisconsin lawmaker Francesca Hong is facing scrutiny after records show she was among just six legislators who voted against a new state law targeting adult grooming of children.

The law was passed after former Kenosha teacher Christian Enwright was accused of pursuing a 14-year-old student. Prosecutors said Enwright exchanged more than 600 Snapchat messages with the girl, including inappropriate comments about her appearance and suggestive images.

Because there was no sexual contact and the messages did not meet the threshold for existing felony charges, Enwright ultimately pleaded guilty to 15 misdemeanor counts and was sentenced to 15 months in jail.

The case sparked calls for stronger protections, leading Wisconsin lawmakers to approve legislation making it illegal for adults to engage in a pattern of behavior intended to groom, lure or entice a child into sexual activity or pornography.

The Assembly passed the measure 93-6, while the Senate approved it by voice vote.

Hong’s campaign has not publicly explained why she opposed the bill, according to the report. Her vote has drawn renewed attention as she campaigns for the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin governor.

The new law has already been used in another case involving a Janesville man accused of grooming a cognitively impaired girl through encrypted messages.

Hong previously faced criticism for controversial political positions, including past calls to defund and abolish the police, though she has since distanced herself from those views.