Bill aiming to curb sex-trafficking draws pushback as Dem rep declares prostitution is alternative income stream

BILL AIMING TO CURB SEX-TRAFFICKING DRAWS PUSHBACK
by Ray Carter | April 10th, 2023

An effort to increase the penalties on individuals who pay prostitutes for sex, informally referred to as “johns,” has run into unexpected resistance.

One prominent Democrat has argued prostitution is one of the “streams of incomes” chosen by individuals who find entry-level job wages insufficient, while an advocacy organization has declared the bill is effectively anti-transgender.

But the bill’s authors have both said the point of the legislation is simple.

“This bill aims to curb sex trafficking by reducing the demand for prostitution services,” said state Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City. “Many of those engaging in prostitution are victims of human trafficking.”

House passes anti-trafficking bill increasing penalties for purchasing prostitution; Dems bizarrely oppose

Huh. This anti-trafficking measure passed the House by a vote of 76-15. Of the 19 Democrats in the House, 15 voted against it, 4 voted for it, 1 missed the vote.

Bizarre. Sex trafficking disproportionately victimizes minority, immigrant, and at-risk women. The criminals that exploit them need to have the book thrown at them, not be coddled by leftist politicians.

House Passes Bill Increasing Penalties for Purchasing Prostitution Services 

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 22nd) – Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City, on Wednesday passed legislation in the Oklahoma House of Representatives that increases penalties for those who purchase prostitution services.

House Bill 2054 increases the penalty for someone who purchases prostitution services from a misdemeanor to a felony.