U.S. Reps. Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) on Jan. 18 introduced legislation that would hold foreign countries accountable for not reducing the demand for sex trafficking.
“The pandemic has exacerbated sex trafficking across the United States and in nations across the globe. Combatting this horrific crime requires a global effort to prohibit the commercial sex trade that exploits children and the most vulnerable in our society,” said Wagner, who sponsored the Sex Trafficking Demand Reduction Act, H.R. 6420.
“It’s well-past time for Congress to take action. The lives of innocent women and children depend on it,” added Rep. McMorris Rodgers, an original cosponsor of the bill.
If enacted, H.R. 6420 would amend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to ensure that the governments of foreign countries have made “serious and sustained efforts” to prohibit the purchase of commercial sex acts or implement a policy against the purchase of commercial sex acts if such prohibition cannot be instituted, according to the text of the bill.
Efforts also must be made by foreign governments to educate buyers of commercial sex on how traffickers exploit prostituted persons for human trafficking; reduce demand for participation in international sex tourism by nationals of the country, including through arrests, prosecutions, and convictions; and ensure that anti-trafficking training and provisions are incorporated into codes of conduct for government staff, the text says.
If such efforts are not being made to combat sex trafficking, H.R. 6420 would authorize the President of the United States to reduce or withhold financial assistance for foreign governments.
“This legislation will take an important first step by withholding assistance to foreign countries that fail to take serious action to reduce sex trafficking and hold accountable those who allow this deplorable trade to continue unabated,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said.
“Victims rely on our help during this incredibly uncertain time, and it is up to us to be their advocate in a time of great need,” added Rep. Wagner.