Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Human Trafficking Law - will it pass in Hawaii?

If you live in Hawaii ... yeah you're lucky, but aside from that ... check out this info from today's Kanu Hawaii e-newsletter:

Hawaii State Senate Bill SB2045 establishes a human trafficking law in Hawaii, making it a class A felony to forcibly transport someone for the purpose of forced labor or prostitution.

It also makes it easier for victims of trafficking (mostly women and girls forced into prostitution) to come forward by ensuring they will not be prosecuted as criminals if they have been trafficked.

Laws in 43 states recognize human trafficking as a special crime deserving especially harsh punishment. Currently Hawaii state laws do not.

A hearing took place on this bill today in the Hawaii State House of Representatives.

You can sign a petition in support of stronger laws.


Need a reason to act?

* 79% of human trafficking is for sexual purposes (mostly women and girls)
* 18% of human trafficking is for forced labor purposes (including men and women)
* 20% of all trafficking victims are children

3 comments:

  1. This bill is part of the Women's Legislative Caucus package and an attempt to catch up to other states' progressive policy to help women and children.

    I think it will pass this year! Sign the petition!

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  2. Where did you get those statistics? I am doing a research project and need more numbers.

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  3. Sorry for my belated response - I was camping in Yosemite. I got the stats from an email that I received from Kanu Hawaii. Good luck with your project!

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