A Vancouver-based organization at the forefront of global efforts to eradicate sex-trafficking has given Washington’s Legislature its highest marks.
Shared Hope International today announced Washington now rates an “A” grade in light of stronger anti-trafficking laws created by the Legislature earlier this year. That’s one step up from the state’s 2012 grade in SHI’s “Protected Innocence Challenge.”
Accepting the recognition was Sen. Mike Padden, chairman of the state Senate Law and Justice Committee. Padden, R-Spokane Valley, is the author of legislation approved earlier this year by the Washington Legislature to strengthen the state’s already-substantial anti-trafficking laws.
“The people of our state, especially young girls, deserve whatever protection we can give them from those who view humans as a commodity,” said Padden. “While the fight to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children may never end – unfortunately – it’s uplifting to know the laws we make are of value to our allies in this cause, such as Shared Hope International. Their encouragement, and the knowledge they share from working around the world, helps us to rise and continue this battle year after year.”
“Washington was the first state in the country to enact anti-trafficking laws back in 2002 and since then has continued in the lead, enacting 33 bills into law,” said Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle. “Particularly significant is that our work has been completely bipartisan as we all recognize the terrible injustice and harm taking place in our state and country. It’s also gratifying that Shared Hope International, under former Congresswoman Linda Smith’s leadership, has recognized Washington along with Louisiana as having the highest grades in the nation for our anti-trafficking legislative efforts.”
“I am incredibly proud of the outstanding bipartisan leadership shown by Senators Padden and Kohl-Welles that passed tough laws this year to make it clear that we have no tolerance in Washington State for those who shop for the innocence of children on the internet or at local hotels or strip clubs,” said former Congresswoman Linda Smith, president and founder of Shared Hope International.
Smith’s announcement came shortly ahead of a meeting of Padden’s committee, which begins this afternoon in Moot Courtroom at Gonzaga University’s School of Law. The former Washington congresswoman and others will speak to the committee about the progress that led to the stronger rating of the state’s anti-trafficking efforts.
“Having served as a Washington legislator at the state and federal level for over 15 years, I understand the competing legislative priorities for lawmakers and am pleased to see that protecting our children through stronger laws against child sex trafficking continues to be a priority in our state.” Smith said.
“The effort to protect children from sexual slavery brings members of our Legislature together like no other issue. We are united toward giving those in law enforcement and our justice system the tools they need to combat the sex-trafficking industry as it continues to evolve,” said Padden, who served 12 years as a Spokane County District Court judge before he was elected to the Senate from the 4th Legislative District in 2011.
“Especially egregious has been sex trafficking and the commercial sexual abuse of minors. Although we’ve accomplished a lot, we still have much to do. I look forward to the upcoming legislative session when the Legislature, working in partnership with community organizations and advocates, will carry on with the fight against human trafficking in Washington.” added Kohl-Welles, who also noted Washington, along with New Jersey, has received a perfect score from the Polaris Project for its anti-trafficking work.