Every once in a while, despite our hugely divisive Congress, the two sides of the aisle actually come together and pass meaningful legislation. Such was the case last April when they passed Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, and Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act, also known collectively as FOSTA-SESTA. (Read more about this act in our former article.)
One of the main components of the legislation was shutting down websites that contributed to human sex trafficking. Just four days before the legislation went into effect, the Justice Department shut down Backpage.com with a 93-count indictment.
Now, the fear of prosecution is starting to spread with the voluntary shut down of another major sex trafficking site – MassageRepublic.com. They protested that they weren’t profiting from exploitation of women, but shut down nevertheless, fearing prosecution.
Other trials are still being held now in connection with previous sex purchases from Backpage.com, including a former middle-school teacher who paid to have sex with a 14-year old who was repeatedly taken to mens homes and motels by her handler.
In addition to his 10-year sentence, he was required to pay $3,000 to the victim.
The wheels of justice turn slowly, but sometimes they actually do work.
Stock photo courtesy of forcal35 on Pixabay
