Adult Entertainment Industry Could Pay Into Fund For Sex Trafficking Victims
Georgia voters could get a say on whether a fund should be set up to help victims of child sex trafficking. Under the proposal, adult entertainment establishments would be required to give 1 percent or $5,000 of their annual profits to the fund. The legislation is on its way to the Georgia Senate.
The fund would pay for the care, housing and other services for those who’ve been sexually exploited.
On Monday, a Senate committee said yes after hearing from a child sex trafficking survivor. She identified herself only as Rachel.
“When I was a victim I was afraid, afraid to breathe, afraid to rest, afraid to trust, afraid to be seen, afraid to dream. I hid in my own skin,” Rachel said.
Rachel said she was lured into sex trafficking over social media. Eventually, a nonprofit in Atlanta gave her counseling, skills training and other services, similar to what would be provided statewide by the fund.
“Today I see myself in a new light,” she said. “I am learning to thrive in my own beautiful and resilient skin.”
The bill also got support from religious leaders, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Vernon Keenan and advocates.
But Tanya Ditty with Concerned Women for America raised concerns. The group promotes biblical values. She worries federal money could flow into the fund and lead to the legalization of prostitution.
“What I don’t want to happen is decriminalization coming in the back door when we’ve shut the front door,” Ditty said.
No members of the adult entertainment industry spoke in opposition.
The legislation would also set up an additional $2,500 fine that would be imposed for those convicted of sex trafficking. Money from the fines would also go into the fund.
Another provision in the legislation would require those found guilty of sex trafficking to be placed on the state’s sex offender registry. Cars and cash used in sex trafficking crimes could also be seized by police.
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