U.S. House Takes First Step In Combatting Online Child Sex Trafficking

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan “Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act” to give federal, state, and local law enforcement the necessary tools to hold child sex traffickers accountable by amending Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to protect our most vulnerable citizens who are caught up in the online sex trade.

“The over 1.7 million members of the Faith & Freedom Coalition are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and this legislation is an important first step in empowering law enforcement to effectively combat online sex trafficking hubs that profit from and provide safe haven for modern day slave traders,” said Executive Director Timothy Head. “Thanks to Rep. Ann Wagner and other bipartisan leaders in the U.S. House who are fighting the online marketplaces that contribute to the growing epidemic of sex trafficking where over 100,000 children in the United States are bought and sold for sex every year.”

The Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act provides law enforcement with the necessary tools to fight predators who buy and sell children for sex and gives states and victims the power to sue websites that facilitate human trafficking. 

“This legislation not only protects victims of the online sex trade, but also shines a light on the online marketplaces that contribute to the growing epidemic of sex trafficking in the United States and we implore the U.S. Senate to immediately bring this legislation to the floor for a vote to empower victims, properly equip law enforcement, and ensure websites can no longer traffic children,” added Head.

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