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Legislator opposes child prostitution bill

The East Valley Tribune

A bill that would stiffen penalties for those who force children into prostitution has new life, despite an influential East Valley lawmaker’s attempts to kill it.

The chairman of the Arizona House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, has been very critical of a provision in the bill that would bar someone accused of sexually exploiting a child to argue that he or she didn’t know the victim was 15 to 17 years old.

Currently, a defendant accused of pushing a child into prostitution can evade tougher punishments by successfully arguing he or she didn’t know the victim was a minor. But Farnsworth has warned that striking that provision from state law could hurt defendants who are wrongfully accused of a crime.

The measure, SB1268, is backed by law enforcement and was recommended by a committee focused on addressing prostitution. Since the bill was introduced early this year, it has gained wide support. In fact, it was passed by the Senate unanimously.

Posted by Editor at June 12, 2007 12:40 AM

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