Christian Right Organizes Against Georgia Bill To Treat Teen Prostitutes

The Christian right is campaigning in Georgia in opposition to a state bill that would place teen prostitutes in treatment programs rather than imprison them. Opponents claim that the bill constitutes the legalization of underage hooking.

The weight of the state’s Christian right movement just came down in opposition to a pair of bills that would steer young girls under the age of 16 into diversionary programs instead of arresting them on charges of prostitution. The press conference came just hours after several hundred people turned out to support the measures. Representatives from the Georgia Christian Alliance, the Georgia Christian Coalition, Ralph Reed’s Faith and Freedom Coalition, and the Georgia Baptist Convention all put in appearances. Republican candidate for governor John Oxendine appeared around the edges of the afternoon press conference, but did not speak. At issue are two separate bills, one in the House and one in the Senate. Both are sponsored by Republicans. “Who will benefit from the passage of H.B. 582 or S.B. 304? I’ll tell you who – the very profitable and growing pedophile industry,” said former state Sen. Nancy Shafer. “It is imperative that these bills be defeated. Some opponents said the bills amounted to decriminalization, which amounted to legalization. And would lead to more prostitution, not less, they said.

Because 15 year-old abused and addicted prostitutes belong in prison, not in therapy. It should be noted that other Christian groups not cited in the above Atlanta Journal-Constitution article do support the bill.