In an unexpected twist of events, the California Assembly Committee on Public Safety voted against a bill aimed at toughening penalties for human trafficking. This bill, had it passed, would have elevated the charges for the human trafficking of minors to the same level as murder, emphasizing the severity of these heinous crimes in the Democrat-led state of California.
September 2020: CA lowers the penalty for sodomy with 14 year olds
June 2023: CA advances a bill to classify it as abuse not to “affirm” a child’s trans identity
Today: CA Democrats block a bill to raise the penalty for child-trafficking
If only there was a word for this…
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) July 12, 2023
Regrettably, all six Democrats on the committee chose to oppose the bill, while the Republicans unanimously supported the measure, demonstrating their commitment to protecting vulnerable children from the clutches of violent exploitation.
The decision arrives amidst mounting concerns expressed by local leaders, who warn that child trafficking operations have spiraled out of control within California. They further assert that the situation has worsened since January when the state decriminalized loitering with the intent to commit prostitution, citing transgender rights as the rationale for the controversial ruling.
Shane Harris, president and CEO of People’s Alliance for Justice, penned a letter urging Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) to take decisive action against the rampant human trafficking that endangers the lives of innocent children.
Despite the urgent plea, the Democratic mayor has chosen to disregard the perilous situation and instead focus on divisive social issues such as establishing the state as a sanctuary for the 0.5% of the population that identifies as transgender nationwide.
During the committee hearing, survivors of human trafficking provided harrowing testimonies, passionately condemning progressive Democrats for their apparent disregard of this grave issue.
Odessa Perkins, an emotional survivor, recounted her horrific experiences, emphasizing that the race of the perpetrators was inconsequential compared to the urgent need to protect vulnerable children.
Perkins stated, “What matters is saving our children. Traffickers are evading punishment, reoffending, and perpetuating this cycle of abuse and depravity.” The rejection of the bill sparked a public outcry within the chamber, with resounding cries of “horrible” reverberating throughout.
Sharmin Bock, a former prosecutor for Alameda County, lent her expertise to the hearing, highlighting the disturbingly lenient sentences often handed down to convicted human traffickers in California. Bock remarked, “The brazenness of traffickers stems from the lack of substantial consequences within our legal framework.”
Jessica Millan Patterson, Chairwoman of the California GOP, expressed her disgust and dismay at the failure of the bill, describing it as “heartless.” Assemblyman James Gallagher (R) echoed these sentiments, asserting that “Democrats, at the expense of victims, are prioritizing the protection of the most vicious criminals.”
The repercussions of this decision are substantial, as it sends a disheartening message to survivors of human trafficking and undermines efforts to combat this abhorrent crime.
As the state grapples with the escalating crisis, advocates for justice and child welfare continue to call for immediate action, demanding lawmakers set aside partisan interests and work towards safeguarding the lives of vulnerable children.
