Carolina Amesty: My legislation protects young women from human trafficking

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In Florida, the fight against human trafficking—a pervasive and dark industry that ensnares millions worldwide—is at a critical juncture.

Recent statistics have thrown into sharp relief the alarming vulnerability of our young women, particularly those between the ages of 17 and 20, to this form of exploitation.

It is within this context that I have introduced legislation, HB 1379, aimed at raising the minimum age required to work in adult entertainment venues from 18 to 21 years old.

Why target these venues specifically? The evidence is clear and compelling: strip clubs and similar establishments are often hotspots for human trafficking activities.

These are not environments conducive to the safety and well-being of young workers, who are drawn into a web of exploitation under the guise of employment. By raising the working age, we can provide a buffer of protection for our youth, reducing their exposure to potential harm.

Florida’s human trafficking statistics are a sobering reminder of the urgency of this issue. According to the Human Trafficking Hotline, Florida ranks third in the United States for human trafficking cases with younger women and girls being the most vulnerable.

As both a lawmaker and a young woman myself, this is completely unacceptable.

Young women, at a point in their lives when they should be exploring educational opportunities and envisioning bright futures, are instead disproportionately susceptible to trafficking schemes.

This legislation is a step towards safeguarding our daughters and sisters, ensuring they have the chance to pursue safe careers, education, and family life without the looming threat of exploitation.

The link between adult entertainment venues and human trafficking is not merely anecdotal; it is a well-documented reality. Such environments are fertile ground for traffickers, who exploit the vulnerability of young workers.

We have an obligation to protect our youth from these dangers, and HB 1379 represents a tangible step in that direction.

In addressing concerns related to the proposed legislation, it’s crucial to base our approach on solid, empirical evidence.

This proposal is informed by data sourced directly from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which reveals a concerning statistic:  human trafficking survivors reported that the average age of entry into trafficking is just 19 years old.

This data underscores the urgency and necessity of raising the working age in adult entertainment venues to 21, aiming to significantly reduce the vulnerability of young individuals to such exploitation.

This legislation is fundamentally about enhancing regulatory frameworks to protect vulnerable young women from well-documented risks associated with human trafficking.

Our emphasis is on creating a safer working environment and aligning employment standards with those in other sectors that also restrict participation based on age due to inherent risks or responsibilities. 

This initiative represents a measured response to specific vulnerabilities identified through research and data, aimed at reducing opportunities for exploitation while acknowledging the complexities of balancing individual rights with the broader societal interest in safeguarding all citizens, especially the most susceptible.

Moreover, raising the working age in adult entertainment venues aligns with broader efforts to empower young women in Florida.

By limiting their exposure to potentially exploitative situations, we are affirming their worth and dignity, encouraging them to seek opportunities that offer not just safety but also fulfillment and growth.

HB 1379 is more than just a legislative measure; it is a declaration of our commitment to the safety and empowerment of Florida’s youth.

Our state is taking a strong stance against human trafficking and exploitation. Let us come together, as lawmakers, citizens, and community leaders, to protect our young people and provide them with the foundation for a brighter, safer future. Our daughters, sisters, and friends deserve nothing less.

Carolina Amesty is a Florida state representative representing District 45.