Senate bill to protect young prostitutes gains momentum
Lobby Day 2010
ATLANTA - February 11, 2010 - "More than 500 people stormed the state Capitol this morning in support of a bill they say will protect young girls forced into prostitution.
The bill introduced by Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford), would steer girls under the age of 16 into diversionary programs instead of arresting them as prostitutes.
'This bill makes sure people are aware that young girls are victims,' Unterman said. 'A 12-year-old laying on her back don’t know what sex is.'
Unterman – who has championed the rights of young girls – said the bill has been around for at least two years. She said she revisited it because a plan is now in place to rehabilitate the young prostitutes. The age of consent in Georgia is 16.
Unterman said her bill would help create a system of care for the girls while educating the public and those who come in contact with the young girls. It would impact girls getting pimped out on the streets, as well as girls working in massage parlors." To read more, click here.
About Street GRACE
Street GRACE is a non-denominational alliance of churches dedicated to the eradication of the sexual exploitation of children in Atlanta and duplication of these efforts in other cities. It is estimated that 200-300 girls will be raped for profit in metro Atlanta this month.
For more information on how you can become involved in eradicating child sex slavery from Georgia, visit streetgrace.org or call (678) 990-9513.
