Protect Kids Colorado pushes for life sentences in child sex trafficking cases

Colorado voters face a decisive choice on Proposition 133, a ballot measure designed to impose life sentences without parole on individuals convicted of child sex trafficking. The proposal also broadens the legal definition of the crime to explicitly cover the act of buying sexual activity with a minor. This marks a substantial shift in how the state punishes repeat offenders in these cases.

Erin Lee, executive director of the coalition Protect Kids Colorado, champions the measure as a direct method to remove dangerous individuals from the population. Lee argues that the current system allows perpetrators to re-enter society and potentially harm other children. "The child doesn't get a second chance once they've been sold into sexual servitude. Why should the perpetrator get a second chance to harm another child?" Lee said.

Opponents of the measure, led by the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, argue that the proposition overlooks the complexities of the crime. Onnastasia Cole, the organization's policy and outreach manager, stated that while the goal of protecting children is shared, the specific mechanism of Prop 133 is flawed. "We know that it sounds good on the surface. We all share the goal to protect kids and end human trafficking, but again, Prop 133 will not actually get us there," Cole said.

Cole points out that victims are frequently forced to commit additional crimes to survive their trafficking situations. These acts can include posting digital advertisements, contacting buyers via social media, or transporting other victims by car or rideshare. She argues that expanding the definition of the crime could lead to victims being charged for these survival tactics, complicating their legal status.

Lee counters that existing laws already protect victims through an affirmative defense, which allows them to excuse liability if they were forced to commit a crime. "This measure only applies to sentencing. So you know victims will still be given as they should their constitutional right of trial by a jury of their peers," Lee said. Cole disagrees with this assessment, noting that the legal process forces victims to relive traumatic experiences in court.

"If Prop 133 passes and a victim is charged.. they're either going to go to trial or plead down. Both of those outcomes are not great for victims who have already experienced significant trauma and harm," Cole said. Lee maintains that a blanket life sentence ensures fair punishment for those found guilty by a jury. "By putting a blanket life in prison sentence, we're ensuring that every child sex trafficker who is charged and convicted by a jury of buying and selling children for sexual servitude is given fair punishment, and fair punishment is life in prison and not a chance to come out and hurt another child," Lee said.

The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault supports holding offenders accountable but believes this specific approach will backfire. "While CCASA is not against increasing accountability or holding people who cause harm accountable, we know that this is not the way to do it, and will actually hurt victims," Cole said. The measure appears on the ballot for the November general election.