Human trafficking is growing at an alarming rate, and the punishments currently in place do not effectively deter the crime. That is why we at the Daily 49er endorse Proposition 35’s passage.
Prop. 35 would substantially increase prison terms by up to 15 years to life and fines of up to $1.5 million for those convicted of human trafficking. Money procured by the fines would be used to train law enforcement and increase the services available to victims of sex trafficking.
Prop. 35 would also require individuals convicted of sexual crimes and related trafficking offenses to register as sex offenders.
Under this umbrella, all registered sex offenders would be required to disclose information regarding their Internet accounts. This would include information about how registered sex offenders access the Internet, their email accounts and identities used in all online activities.
The Internet has continually made it easier for sex traffickers to anonymously exploit millions of men, women and children each year. California alone has three of the largest sex trafficking areas in the country, including Los Angeles.
By voting “yes” on this initiative, we are proactively fighting against human trafficking and sex slavery.
