AL HR436

Urges the Alabama Legislature to criminalize the purchase of sex based on the "Nordic Model" used in Sweden, which treats prostitution as violence against women and children.

Cites that 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders annually, with 80 percent being women and 70 percent being women and children sexually exploited through prostitution.

References Sweden's success in reducing street prostitution by 50 percent and demand by 40 percent over 10 years through sex purchase criminalization laws, resulting in the lowest human trafficking rate in the European Union.

Calls for implementing harsh penalties up to 12 months jail time for those purchasing sex and establishing exit programs, rehabilitation services, and social services for prostituted women and children.

Urges adoption of policies to hinder and stop sexually oriented businesses such as strip clubs, peep shows, and sex shops that promote sex as a commodity.