Legislation to Combat Sex Trafficking Signed Into Law

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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