Sex Trafficking Measures Pass First Major Test
Voters are one step closer to deciding whether a fund should be set up to help victims of child sex trafficking. That’s because the Georgia Senate approved measures aimed at combating the sexual exploitation of children Thursday.
If the fund gains approval, it’s supposed provide counseling, housing and other services for victims of child sex trafficking.
Voters would also have a say on whether adult entertainment establishments should give 1 percent of their profits annually to the fund. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Renee Unterman, R-Buford.
“This is justice for people who don’t have a voice, who can’t give money to our campaigns, who can’t go to the polls and vote,” Unterman says. “These are people who deserve justice and deserve a better life.”
The measures now head to the House, where Rep. Chuck Efstration, R-Dacula, is sponsoring a similar bill. He’s optimistic about the legislation’s chances.
“I’m very confident that legislators are interested in doing what needs to be done to address this critical problem,” Efstration says.
A number of Republican representatives tell WABE they will probably support the measure. But a few say they’re concerned about the portion of the bill that would ask the adult clubs to pay a portion of their profits to the fund because they dislike placing additional taxes on any business. The bill needs 120 votes to pass in the House, so sponsors will likely need the support from both parties.
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