The crime of sexual exploitation is one that plagues our state; of all the cases of human trafficking in Pennsylvania reported in 2019, 85% were instances of sex trafficking. Therefore, I am writing to you today to share several good pieces of legislation related to sexual exploitation that is moving through the Pennsylvania legislature. Each of the following bills has passed the House and has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.
- HB 753 reclassifies the crime of trafficking infants as a first-degree felony rather than its current standing as a first-degree misdemeanor.
- HB 1096 allows victims of human trafficking the ability to bring lawsuits against their offenders either in the county where the victim lives or in the county where the trafficking occurred.
- HB 1130 requires traffickers convicted of subjecting their victims to sexual servitude to be registered as sex offenders under Pennsylvania’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
- HB 1147 would expand the list of sexual offenses that obligate participation in a therapy program while incarcerated to decrease recidivism among sex traffickers.
We ask that you partner with us in advocating for these bills through contacting your state senators to vocalize your support and through seeking the Lord in prayer.
Take Action!
- Call or e-mail your state senator and ask him or her to support HB 753, HB 1096, HB 1130, and HB 1147. Use this link to find out who represents you in the state legislature. If you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Pennsylvania, be sure to let them know.
- Forward this e-mail to like-minded friends and family. Encourage them to pray and take action on this important legislation.
Please pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we ask that you work in the hearts of our state senators to secure justice for victims of sexual exploitation. Lord, impress on them Your words from Proverbs 21:3, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
From knees to feet,
Dilonna M. Coran
State Director