Which of the following is central to the crime of lewd and lascivious conduct?

The central element of the crime of lewd and lascivious conduct is committing or soliciting a sex act. This offense typically involves behavior that is considered sexually indecent or grossly offensive. The focus is on the nature of the act itself, rather than the context in which it occurs, such as whether it takes place in a private or domestic setting. This clarity is crucial because lewd and lascivious conduct encompasses a range of inappropriate sexual behaviors that go beyond mere exposure or suggestiveness.

In legal terms, the emphasis on committing or soliciting a sex act defines the criminality of the conduct, reinforcing the idea that the act must be overtly sexual in nature. Factors such as consent are not central to the definition of the crime, as the act itself is deemed illicit regardless of whether consent was given. Therefore, option B correctly identifies the core nature of the crime.