Ashley Judd Backs New York Bill to Protect Survivors, Target Traffickers
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Hollywood royalty Ashley Judd lent her celebrity to a bill proposed in the New York State Legislature, the Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act (STSJEA). She joined lawmakers and survivors at the Capitol on Tuesday to call for passing the bill, which would protect sex trafficking survivors while targeting those who exploit them.
Survivors Share Personal Stories
Survivors at the rally shared personal stories of being trafficked, manipulated, and criminalized. Advocates—representing groups like the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women and Sanctuary for Families—said that prostitution is not a chosen profession.
Prostitution is Not a Chosen Profession
“Prostitution is not the world’s oldest profession,” according to Cristian Eduardo, who was trafficked as an immigrant. “Prostitution is the world’s oldest oppression.” He said that the trade preys on economic desperation and is not a path to empowerment.
Bill Changes New York’s Laws on Prostitution and Sex Trafficking
Sponsored by Sen. Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Pamela Hunter and backed by a coalition of advocates, the STSJEA would build on New York’s Safe Harbour Law. The bill changes New York’s laws on prostitution and sex trafficking, closing loopholes, such as the one that let Jeffrey Epstein escape charges for trafficking victims to himself.
New Provisions
- Repeals old laws on prostitution that criminalize the act itself without recognizing the nuances, like victimization.
- Someone charged with prostitution can potentially use coercion as a new legal defense outlined in the bill. The court would have to consider whether the sex worker in question proved that they were forced or tricked into the industry and is actually a victim.
- If they meet certain criteria, someone convicted under the old prostitution laws could also get their prior convictions automatically vacated and expunged.
- Prevents police or prosecutors from treating condoms or other reproductive health devices alone as evidence of prostitution.
- Law enforcement would have to create trauma-informed procedures and train specifically on how to help victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation access services.
- Money collected through fines would go into a new “Victims of Sexual Exploitation Fund” earmarked to support survivors of trafficking.
Ashley Judd’s Support
Judd, herself a survivor and longtime activist, championed the bill as a way to protect vulnerable women, LGBTQ people, and people of color. She said that as long as buyers face no consequences and loopholes let traffickers escape prosecution, the sex trade will continue.
“The responsibility lies with the people who purchased exploited sex,” Judd said.
Conclusion
The Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act aims to protect sex trafficking survivors while targeting those who exploit them. The bill is a significant step towards addressing the complex issue of sex trafficking and ensuring that survivors are not criminalized. By closing loopholes and providing support services, the bill can help survivors heal and rebuild their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is the Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act?
The bill is a proposed law that aims to protect sex trafficking survivors while targeting those who exploit them.
* What are the main provisions of the bill?
The bill changes New York’s laws on prostitution and sex trafficking, closing loopholes, and repealing old laws that criminalize the act itself without recognizing the nuances, like victimization.
* Who is supporting the bill?
The bill is supported by Senator Liz Krueger, Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, and a coalition of advocates, including the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women and Sanctuary for Families.
* What is the goal of the bill?
The goal of the bill is to protect sex trafficking survivors while targeting those who exploit them, and to ensure that survivors are not criminalized.
