by Mary Ellison, of Advocates for Human Rights
Sex trafficking is a form of slavery and involuntary servitude resulting in grave human rights violations. Governments must protect trafficked persons, prosecute sex traffickers and patrons, and prevent further acts of sex trafficking. The United States Congress enacted the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) in 2000 to address human trafficking. However, the federal definition, which requires proof of force, fraud, and coercion of adult trafficked and prostituted persons, is ineffective and results in traffickers escaping prosecution and victims being denied access to needed services.
Minnesota enacted its human trafficking laws in 2005. In a study published by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety in September 2008, service providers reported 564 adult females were victims of sex trafficking (as were 4 adult males) from 2005 to 2008. Minnesota recognizes the fact that sex trafficking and prostitution form a continuum of illegal and harmful acts of violence against women. Unlike many other states, Minnesota chose not to adopt the federal definition of sex trafficking. Under Minnesota law, the means used by sex traffickers are irrelevant and an individual may never consent to be trafficked for prostitution.
Despite its progressive law and policy, Minnesota still has work to do to implement its sex trafficking laws. In a report entitled Sex Trafficking Needs Assessment for the State of Minnesota, The Advocates for Human Rights found that "with notable exceptions, law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges frequently do not hold sex traffickers and patrons accountable for sex trafficking and prostitution crimes in Minnesota." Minnesota must put stronger teeth behind the criminal penalties for sex trafficking; expand training and raise public awareness; and establish a permanent infrastructure for services and public benefits for trafficking victims.
In March 2009, Senators Sandy Pappas, Linda Berglin, and Mee Moua and Representatives Michael Paymar, Karen Clark, Jeff Hayden, and John Lesch introduced a package of bills to combat sex trafficking in Minnesota. The bills were developed and endorsed by the Minnesota Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force. Working with the bill authors, The Advocates for Human Rights has raised the awareness of approximately seventy legislators over the course of four months through individual meetings and committee hearings where legislators heard from trafficking victims, law enforcement, and service providers. The Advocates developed a policy toolkit and talking points for public use.
You can help stop the sale of human beings for sex in Minnesota. Please put the following two items on your "To Do" list. Completing these actions will make you one of the many concerned citizens courageous enough to speak up. It will also give your legislators the support they need to press forward and strengthen the law.
My "To Do" List:
Today: Download the policy toolkit and read the talking points.
Tomorrow: Contact your elected officials to ask them to vote for House File 1505 and Senate File 1514 when the bills reach the floor. If you don't know who represents you, visit the Minnesota District Finder now.