Solicitation of prostitution registry dropped from House companion bill.
Yesterday, CS/HB 851 (the “Human Trafficking Bill”) advanced through the House with a notable exception; the “Solicitation of prostitution registry” was dropped.
The bill was the Florida House of Representative’s companion to Lauren Book’s Senate Bill (which still contains the registry, but instead of calling it a “registry”, they changed the word to “directory” – not that it makes any difference).
In addition to signs that the legislature are heeding the messages of those advocating against these bills, the media is taking notice that “Sex work does not equate to human trafficking”, a message that Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP) has been successful in conveying. Further support (in our opinion) is coming from the aftermath of some of the embarrassment that is befalling Florida Sheriffs and prosecutors who touted the recent massage parlor stings as “Human Trafficking Stings” but then had to concede that the results had little (if anything) to do with human trafficking.
The process has been a good platform to show legislators that registries don’t work.
Discover more from Florida Action Committee (FAC)
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Unfortunately, Senator Crook reinserted the “database” language in an amendment on the Senate floor today.
http://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2019/851/Amendment/589144/PDF
https://www.freep.com/story/opinion/2019/03/30/runestead-hyta-abuse/3314302002/
Wow! The advocates are being heard. The strong arguments backed by research are at a point where they cannot be denied anymore. Everything about these legislations are like a virus that has to be killed off a file at a time. And it’s happening across states. What happens in VA, NY, MI, CT etc. is good news, because it’s a victory added on top of another where it can no longer be ignored – anywhere in this nation (yes, including FL!). I am grateful for the advocates and your iron will!
Your enthusiasm made me smile. Positive attitude is a great thing.