Pastor Talking Points: SB 1217 — Nonconsensual Intimate Image Clearinghouse
For Use In: Sermons, Bible Studies, Small Group Discussions
CFC Stance: Support
Pastoral Opening
God calls us to defend the vulnerable and protect human dignity — because every person is made in His image. SB 1217 addresses one of the cruelest forms of modern exploitation: the weaponization of intimate images to destroy lives.
Key Talking Points
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Image-based abuse is a real crisis in our communities. Intimate images — including AI-generated deepfakes — are being shared online without consent, devastating victims emotionally, relationally, and professionally. This happens to people in our pews.
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This bill creates a practical tool for victims to fight back. SB 1217 would require California's Department of Justice to build a free system that helps victims get harmful images removed from the internet within 48 hours — at no cost to them.
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This isn't a partisan issue — it's a dignity issue. When someone's body is exploited without their consent, it is an attack on the image of God in that person. Proverbs 31:8-9 calls us to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves."
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Trafficking survivors and abuse victims are among the most affected. Many victims of sex trafficking have images circulating online long after their exploitation ends. This bill helps break that ongoing cycle of harm.
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AI is making this worse, and the law must keep up. Realistic AI-generated images can now depict real people in sexual situations without their knowledge. Psalm 12:5 reminds us that God hears the cry of the exploited — and so should our laws.
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This bill has broad, bipartisan support — a rare and encouraging sign that California legislators can still agree that human dignity matters.
How to Pray
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For victims — Pray for healing, restoration, and swift justice for those whose dignity has been violated through image-based abuse.
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For legislators — Pray that this bill advances without being weakened, and that lawmakers on both sides support it. Romans 13:4 reminds us that government is meant to serve as God's instrument of justice.
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For technology companies — Pray that platforms fulfill their responsibility to remove exploitative content quickly and refuse to profit from the suffering of others.
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For the church — Ask God to give us wisdom and compassion to walk alongside survivors in our own communities.
Discussion Question
For Small Groups: Proverbs 31:8-9 tells us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Who are the most vulnerable people in your community, and what does it look like practically for our church to defend their dignity?
A Gentle Call to Action
If you feel moved to act, consider contacting your California state senator and asking them to support SB 1217. You can find your senator at findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov. To learn more about how California Family Council is standing in the gap for victims and families, visit californiafamily.org.
"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." — Galatians 6:9