Human Trafficking in Alabama - CBS 42 Birmingham, AL News Weather Sports

Human Trafficking in Alabama - CBS 42 Birmingham, AL News Weather Sports
Human Trafficking in Alabama

Print Story Published: 4/14/2010 10:26 pm Share Updated: 4/15/2010 6:35 am
Birmingham, Al (WIAT) "It's just really significant for our state to not be the last for a change. We do not need to be the last in this one."

Sunny Slaughter is the Education Chair of Freedom to Thrive, a group dedicated to bringing an end to human trafficking, not just in places as far away as Cambodia, but also here in Alabama.

"Oh yes, we do have human trafficking cases here in Alabama. We have human trafficking indicators as well," says Slaughter.

That's why advocates, such as Slaughter, are pushing to get legislation passed which would increase prosecution of cases, stiffen penalties, and provide protection to victims.

"This is a great way to let traffickers know that Alabama is serious about prosecution."

Slaughter also emphasizes that law enforcement and citizens need to know what human trafficking looks like.

What's now called domestic minor sex trafficking used to be called juvenile prostitution.

With only a couple of legislative days left in the session, Slaughter says it's absolutely ridiculous that matters such as bingo are at the forefront instead of human trafficking.

"Political posturing with bingo may cause the victimization in our state to go unnoticed...and silence the voices of victims living in crisis."

There are two identical anti-human trafficking bills, HB 432 and SB 372. Both have passed through committee. Slaughter encourages you to contact your legislator to ask that the bills be passed by both houses before the session ends next Thursday, April 22.