The Stealthing Act of 2025 would create a federal civil remedy for the non-consensual removal of a sexual protection barrier (commonly known as “stealthing”) during sex. The bill defines non-consensual barrier removal as removing a condom or other barrier used for sexual protection without the consent of all parties, resulting in sexual contact. Affected individuals could sue someone who commits this act in federal court and seek compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive and declaratory relief. The law relies on federal jurisdiction by tying the conduct to interstate or foreign commerce or related activities. The bill also cites findings about the prevalence and harms of stealthing to justify a federal civil remedy, while preserving that protection barriers include condoms, dental dams, and similar barriers. In short, the bill would treat non-consensual barrier removal as a civil wrong with a federal path to damages and court-ordered remedies, expanding legal recourse beyond state laws and recognizing stealthing as a form of sexual violence with potential health and safety risks.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a federal civil action for non-consensual sexual protection barrier removal (stealthing), allowing victims to sue for damages and other relief.
- 2Defines key terms:
- 3- Non-consensual sexual protection barrier removal: removing a barrier used in sexual contact without the consent of all involved people, causing sexual contact.
- 4- Sexual protection barrier: condoms (including internal condoms), dental dams, and any barrier against sexual fluids.
- 5Jurisdictional requirements: the action can proceed if the conduct involves interstate or foreign commerce, use of interstate channels or instruments, payments connected to the conduct, communications crossing state lines, the barrier or conduct traveled in interstate commerce, or occurred in or affected interstate commerce (including the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction).
- 6Remedies: plaintiffs may recover compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive and declaratory relief, plus other relief the court deems appropriate.
- 7Findings supporting purpose: cites studies on prevalence and harms of stealthing and characterizes it as a serious violation of autonomy, dignity, and safety.