Jul 8, 2004

Source: Legilsation Online
http://www.legislationline.org/?tid=178&jid=55&less=false

Jul 8, 2004

Amendment on Prohibition of Funding to Organizations that Promote Prostitution Adopted in US

On 8 July, it was reported that the United States House of Representatives approved an amendment by Congressman Todd Akin that prohibits the use of certain Federal Funding by organizations that promote prostitution. In the past, it has been reported that groups actively promoting prostitution on their websites have received US tax dollars through federal grants to help fight HIV/AIDS. Akin's amendment to the FY 2005 Commerce, Justice, State Appropriations Act (H.R. 4754) was passed by a vote of 306 to 113. It appears, however, that the amendment actually applies to all funds appropriated in H.R. 4754. The text read that ?No funds made available to carry out this Act, or any amendment made by this Act, may be used to provide assistance to any group or organization that does not have a policy explicitly opposing prostitution and sex trafficking.? Congressman Akin was quoted as saying "This measure helps ensure that taxpayer dollars only go to organizations that oppose prostitution and sex-trafficking. That's a positive step that will help protect women and children in developing countries from lives of prostitution and sexual slavery." However, concern has been raised by key US non-governmental organizations such as, Save the Children US, and CARE, as they claim it will result in these organizations, amongst many others, being unable to fund NGOs unless the NGO being funded have an explicit policy opposing prostitution and sex trafficking. International experts have commented that the amendment might lead to exclude NGO activities from US funding in cases such as outreach work for presumed trafficked persons in the sex industry and health education for national and migrant sex workers. (Congressman Akin Website & ors.)