It shall be unlawful for any person to commit any act or omit the performance of any duty, which act or omission causes or tends to cause or encourage any person under the age of 18 years to come within the provisions of this division or which act or omission contributes thereto, or for any person who, by any act or omission or by threats, commands, or persuasion, induces or endeavors to induce any person under the age of 18 years to fail or refuse to conform to a lawful order of the municipal court or to do or to perform any act or to follow any course of conduct as would cause or manifestly tend to cause any such person to become or to remain a person within the provisions of this division. (Code 1979, § 27-173)