Legislation to Combat Sex Trafficking Signed Into Law
Author: Womens UN Report Network
Date: January 15, 2006
Political Rights
Slavery
Child
Press ReleaseJanuary 10, 2005
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Contact: Afshin
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Rep. Maloney, sponsor of sex trafficking legislation,
attends ceremony at White House
WASHINGTON, DC – The president today signed a landmark law to make the United
States a leader in combating the worldwide affliction of sex trafficking (President’s
remarks). The law, approved by Congress in December, incorporates key
provisions of the End Demand for Sex Trafficking Act (H.R. 2012), which was
introduced by Reps. Deborah Pryce (R-OH) and Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan and
Queens).
Maloney attended the bill signing ceremony today and made the following
statement:
“Human trafficking and sex slavery – the slavery of the 21st Century – is an
enormous human rights problem that is too often unnoticed. As the land of the
free, the United States should be a world leader in combating sex trafficking,
and this law will help us lead the fight.
“I thank my friend and colleague Deborah Pryce for her leadership on this
issue, and I thank Congressmen Chris Smith and Tom Lantos on the International
Relations committee for helping to formulate the final legislation that has
become law.”
On December 14, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 972, the Trafficking
Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005, which includes a measures
championed by Reps. Pryce and Maloney to end the demand for sex trafficking in
the United States. The original Trafficking Victims Protection Act, which became
law in 2000, created a framework to fight international human trafficking. HR
972 reauthorizes the 2000 law, but it also gives U.S. law enforcement better
tools to study human trafficking within the United States and to prosecute those
who perpetuate the scourge of trafficking by purchasing sex acts.
The Pryce/Maloney measure authorizes $50 million for grants to state and
local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute persons who engage in the
purchase of commercial sex acts.
The Pryce/Maloney provisions will:
• promote more effective means of combating unlawful commercial sex
activities by targeting demand;
• assist state and local law enforcement
agencies to initiate programs to investigate and prosecute sex trafficking
cases;
• educate those charged with purchasing or attempting to purchase
commercial sex acts;
• train law enforcement personnel;
• conduct a
biennial statistical review to provide a more accurate picture of the problem;
and
• convene an annual report and conference on best practices about
reducing demand for unlawful commercial sex acts.
Background
For six years, Congresswoman Maloney has worked to combat sex trafficking
both internationally and in her district in New York City. Maloney urged state
and federal prosecutors to investigate Big Apple Oriental Tours -based in
Queens, New York- and other sex tour operators for criminal violations. She is a
strong supporter of federal legislation to strengthen the ability of the
government to prosecute sex tour operators.
May 2005: U.S. Rep. Maloney Urges Crackdown on Sex Trafficking Industry’s
Demand Side & Organizers – http://www.house.gov/maloney/press/109th/20050509SexTrafficking.htm
March 2004: Rep. Maloney Calls Legal Action to Stop Sleazy Sex Tours a
Victory for NYC
& for Women Around the World – http://www.house.gov/maloney/press/108th/20040322SexTours.htm
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