Rep. Fedor vows to continue efforts to improve Ohio’s Human Trafficking Laws
COLUMBUS- Wednesday afternoon, Polaris Project, a leading organization in the fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery, released its 2013 state ratings on human trafficking laws with a nation-wide telephone briefing. The call included advocates like State Rep. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo), Cindy McCain, and human trafficking survivor, “Stephanie”, among others. The state ratings release coincides with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Legislative Summit in Atlanta, Georgia.
Polaris Project is releasing its 4th annual ranking of all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on ten categories of laws critical to a basic legal framework that combats human trafficking, punishes and supports survivors. Polaris Project has contributed to the passing of over 100 anti-trafficking bills in various states across the country.
Ohio received 9 out of 12 total points and proudly ranks in tier one with 32 other states. To qualify in the top tier a state must have passed significant laws to combat human trafficking.
“I am proud to see the state of Ohio recognized for its incredible efforts to eradicate human trafficking – however we still have a considerable way to go. Sex trafficking is a serious violation of human rights and I will continue to advocate and encourage the passage of additional efforts to improve and strengthen Ohio’s laws,” said Rep. Fedor. “I’m very supportive of the uniform law commission aimed at creating uniformity in anti-trafficking laws across all 50 states. I’d also like to commend human trafficking survivor “Stephanie” on the courage it took to tell her story today. ”
For the past eight years, Rep. Fedor has been a leading advocate in the fight against human trafficking and is now urging lawmakers to pass Sub. H.B. 130, the End Demand Act. In 2012, the General Assembly passed Rep. Fedor’s sponsored, Safe Harbor Act – a victim centered bill aimed at providing protection, prosecution and prevention.
# To read the Human Trafficking State Ratings Show Progress in 39 States, please follow this link http://www.polarisproject.org/media-center/news-and-press/press-releases
