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Family Advocate Hopeful Anti-Sex-Trafficking Bill Will Make a Difference

by Bill Fancher and Jody Brown
June 13, 2005

(AgapePress) - Many are hoping a new anti-sex-trafficking bill in Congress will produce positive results in the fight against prostitution and related crimes and help cut down on the exploitation of women and children by that illicit industry.

The new bill, called the "End Demand for Sex Trafficking Act of 2005" (HR 2012), will target all elements of the crime, including focusing on the customer base. Sponsored by Republican Congresswoman Deborah Pryce of Ohio, the measure has the support of ten other representatives, among them Katherine Harris of Florida, Carolyn Maloney of New York, and Lynn Woolsey of California. The intent of the legislation is stated in the bill itself: "To combat commercial sexual activities by targeting demand, to protect children from being exploited by such activities, to prohibit the operation of sex tours, to assist state and local governments to enforce laws dealing with commercial sexual activities, to reduce trafficking in persons, and for other purposes."

Lisa Thompson of The Salvation Army supports the legislation's general approach and notes, "Our belief is that by targeting demand -- targeting the customers -- we can really shrink the amount of trafficking that will go on."

Thompson says the hope is that this focus will effect a reduction in human trafficking in the U.S. by attacking the demand both "domestically as well as the need to bring women in from foreign countries to support our sex industry." The act also makes provision for government spending to address these issues.

"There will be additional federal funds for programs to help deter men from becoming customers by going out there and soliciting for sex," the Salvation Army spokeswoman explains. "And it will also allow for funding for programs to help women and children exit prostitution and come out of that life," she says.

A recent U.S. Department of State report shows that, although sex trafficking is on the decline in many nations around the world, it remains a very lucrative industry. Thompson welcomes the introduction of the End Demand for Sex Trafficking Act in Congress and feels optimistic about its efficacy in attacking the sex trade from both the supply side and the demand side.

Supporters of the legislation are optimistic about its chances of passage, since the issue is one that is of high priority and crucial importance to the White House. Congresswoman Pryce pointed out when introducing the measure to the press in April that sex trafficking is a problem that affects an estimated 800,000 women, men and children worldwide each year -- yet it "isn't typically discussed on television or at the dinner table."

"It's a problem that occurs behind closed doors, a problem that preys on the vulnerable and destroys so many human spirits," she said. "Trafficking is a problem that is built on lies and deception, as most of the victims are lied to and coerced into it without their knowledge or permission."

Sex trafficking, she said, is a "modern day form of slavery" and a "crisis that we must face and put to an end now."

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