Kentucky state senator Karen Berg faced backlash for suggesting the use of child sex dolls for pedophiles.
While speaking in the state legislature, Berg referred to pedophiles as “minor attracted persons” or “MAPs.”
Karen Berg said, “I was completely unfamiliar with child sex dolls, so I had, of course, to Google it last night.”
My statement clarifying my comments made on House Bill 207: pic.twitter.com/2H0m0IELkB
— Karen Berg (@karenforky) March 1, 2024
She cited limited research that purportedly showed child sex dolls could decrease a pedophile’s urge to abuse children by providing “a release.”
“I was a little scared to put it in my search engine, but I did, and apparently there is research on the subject, [but] not much.” said Berg.
“There are what they call ‘MAPs,’ minor attracted persons,” she continued.
Berg said, “And the limited amount of research that’s done on these dolls, guys, suggests that they actually — for people who are attracted to minors — that these dolls actually decrease their proclivity to go out and attack children, that it actually gives them a release that makes them less likely to go outside of their home.”
“What was interesting is the research did not support the same conclusions for people who were adult attracted using dolls, that did not diminish their proclivity to engage other people,” she continued.
“Like I say, the research is not very good, it is not comprehensive — but the research that is out there is conclusive,” said Berg.
Berg’s remarks drew heavy criticism, and she later backtracked, expressing concern for harm from pedophilia.
In a tweet, Berg said she voted for a bill outlawing child sex dolls and remains committed to protecting youth well-being.
Berg said, “As a mom and a physician I am of course deeply concerned with the harm of pedophilia and I regret if my question in committee didn’t convey that.”
“I voted in favor of House Bill 207 to outlaw child-sex dolls, a stance that aligns with my commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our youth and holding perpetrators accountable,” she continued.
