Paulsen, Moore Introduce Legislation to Combat Sex Trafficking
Washington, DC,
November 21, 2013
I am so proud to join Congressman Paulsen as we work to protect trafficking victims. I urge my colleagues to do their part to reduce the prevalence of sex trafficking and the pain associated with this horrific crime.
CONTACT: Paulsen: Philip Minardi (202) 503-7809 Moore: Staci Cox (202) 225-4572 Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04), today introduced bipartisan legislation to combat sex trafficking in American communities. The Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act will give law enforcement the tools they need to turn the tide against sex trafficking in U.S. communities and help victims of these horrific crimes receive the support they need and deserve. “These young girls are victims and need access to services and protection,” said Congressman Paulsen. “The fact is many trafficking victims don’t seek help because they fear they will be punished. It’s time to shepherd victims out of the shadows and bring traffickers and ‘johns’ to justice. We must do everything we can to combat this tragic trend in our own backyard.” In 2006, as a member of the Minnesota House, Paulsen was an author of legislation forming the first statewide human trafficking task force. This task force was the first step towards Minnesota’s Safe Harbor Law. “Sex trafficking is a very serious issue that impacts far too many--including young children--across our nation,” said Congresswoman Moore. “This reality was undeniably exposed after July's Operation Cross Country VII where 10 young people in Milwaukee and dozens more across our nation were rescued from forced prostitution. I am so proud to join Congressman Paulsen as we work to protect trafficking victims. This bill would strengthen our national response to sex trafficking, and provide victims with access to services rather than prosecuting them for being in a bad situation through no fault of their own. I urge my colleagues to do their part to reduce the prevalence of sex trafficking and the pain associated with this horrific crime.” The bill is modeled after Minnesota’s “safe harbor” laws, which help ensure minors who are sold for sex aren’t prosecuted but treated as victims. Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), and Mark Kirk (R-IL). Read the legislation here. ### For “Moore” News Updates Follow Gwen Moore on Twitter @RepGwenMoore and Like Gwen Moore on Facebook
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