Child sex trafficking is a heinous crime and the victims deserve justice. Arizona laws that criminalize human trafficking are strengthening and convictions of traffickers are increasing. However, anti-demand efforts are lagging far behind.

A man who buys sex from a child is neither a “john” nor a “client”, he is a sexual predator. The perpetrator is a child rapist who steals their innocence and youth in exchange for $50 or $100. Research has indicated that demand from buyers for commercial sex is fueling the million dollar illicit market. As a result strong legislation must be passed that specifically targets the buyers and provides law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools for justice.

A.R.S. § 13-3212 has lightened the penalties for men who buy sex with a child who is 15-17 years of age when the prosecutor cannot show evidence of knowledge of the age. This means that a child rapist can walk away with as little as 180 days in jail. More shockingly, this low sentence can be further reduced to 90 days for a first-time offender who agrees to participate in an education program.

Join me in urging Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard and Representative Driggs to amend A.R.S. § 13-3212 to protect all children under the age of 18 and strengthen penalties for predators who buy children.