Many newspapers, other media outlets, research organizations and advocacy groups, including those for trafficking victims, oppose Proposition 35. Follow the links below and read their arguments both opposing Proposition 35 and advancing policies that would actually be effective in reducing trafficking and aiding its victims.
American Civil Liberties Union Northern California Injunction against Prop 35 November 7, 2012
California’s Prop 35: Why Some Oppose an Anti-Sex-Trafficking Initiative
Kathleen Kim, a professor at Loyola Law School who co-authored California’s current trafficking law, say the proposal belittles victims of non-sexual forced labor because it would give harsher prison terms for human trafficking of a sexual nature than for other forms of trafficking. Read more: http://nation.time.com/2012/11/05/californias-prop-35-why-some-oppose-an-anti-sex-trafficking-initiative/#ixzz2BOzvhk6i
Time Nov. 5, 2012
Audio from Pat Thurston Show KGO November 4 2012
Proposition 39 does just what ballot measures are supposed to do. But Proposition 35 shows just how far the initiative process has strayed from its original role. Why yes on Prop. 39 but no on Prop. 35 LA Times Nov 1, 2012
“Prop 35 expands that power big time,” said Almodovar. “They already have sufficient laws with which to charge real pimps, real traffickers and people who exploit underage people.” A Closer Look at Proposition 35 Nov 1, 2012
“We think trafficked victims should not have to be arrested for prostitution first in order to be identified as victims,” said Doogan. Prop 35 hopes to fight sex trafficking ABC 7 San Francisco Oct. 30, 2012
“To take money from their victimization that would otherwise go to them directly is really not right,” said Kay Buck, chief executive of Los Angeles-based Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, one of the oldest groups working with human trafficking victims.” Anti-sex-trafficking Proposition 35 is surprisingly controversial LA Times Oct 30, 2012
Sex Worker Groups Challenge Billionaire Proponent To Debate video San Francisco City Hall Oct 29, 2012
If Prop. 35 passes, human rights-based initiatives like this would be even more difficult to pass, as the legislature and public would be under the (false) impression that California is successfully dealing with human trafficking. Not the Human Rights Approach Needed to Fight Human Trafficking Noam Perry, Justice Studies Visiting Professor San Jose State University Oct 29, 2012
Prop 35: Sex traffic law vaguely expands police power The Daily Aztec San Diego University Oct 29, 2012
“…apparently someone’s political career is more important than really helping victims.”
Video of Veronica Monet Stanford University Forum Oct 27, 2012
Veronica Monet debates Daphne Phong Proposition 35 Capital Public Radio Oct 26, 2012
Prop 35, Although Well Meaning, Is Opposed by Many in the Anti-Human Trafficking Community
Up Rising Radio Oct 26, 2012
Why Prop 35 Matters The Good Men Project Oct 26, 2012
“We are all in this together.” The fight against Proposition 35, she added, is at its core a battle to ensure equal rights for all labor and to end a tiered labor system in which sex workers are denied rights that other workers take for granted. Prop 35 Press Conference Draws Woefully Anemic Attendance AVN Oct 26, 2012
” He was convicted for over 35 years, and I’m happy to say that.” California Proposition 35 forum ignites passionate discussion from human trafficking experts 1 hour video of panel University of Southern California Oct 25, 2012
“We know that the high fines and penalties in Prop. 35 do not act as deterrents to crime,” said Maxine Doogan, Prop. 35 opponent. “The research is very clear that those high fines and penalties actually just cost voters and taxpayers lots of money without receiving any benefit.” Prop 35 on TV Los Angeles ABC Channel 7 Oct 25, 2012
Some say it could have unintended consequences KERO Channel 35 Bakersfield Oct. 25, 2012
Sheila Kuehl on Prop 35: Sex Trafficking Sheila Kuehl Oct 25, 2012
Feminist and faith groups define trafficking as forced sex work – a simplification that hinders help for victims of coerced labour The truth about trafficking: it’s not just about sexual exploitation The Guardian Oct 24, 2012
Activists and sex worker advocates say California’s Proposition 35 dangerously oversimplifies forced labor Does California’s anti-human trafficking bill get it wrong?
Salon Oct 24, 2012
Featuring Norma Jean Almovodar Victims And Police Fight Over Prop 35, Human Sex Trafficking Initiative Annenberg Radio News Oct 23, 2012
“…if you have questions, and you wonder why professionals
have questions, but you’re voting for it because you want to feel good, you just might want to reconsider that. No On Prop 35 at Stanford University Video John Vanek, former San Jose Police Officer Oct 23, 2012
“This particular law is vague and overbroad,” countered Maxine Doogan, an erotic service provider, and one of the leading opponents of the measure. “In Prop 35 we see the expansion of law enforcement practices, which is not a rights-based approach to addressing traffic victims.” KCBS In Depth: The Battle Over Prop 35 KCBS October 22, 2012
Any revision of California’s anti-trafficking laws should advance the rights of survivors. Despite the best intentions, Prop 35 does not pass that test Opinion: Three legal experts who have worked with victims of human trafficking argue that Prop 35, a laudable effort on California’s ballot to address sex slavery, will actually set back existing efforts to fight the trade. October 18, 2012
Prop 35 starts in about 43 minute mark KTKZ Phil Cowan Show Oct. 18, 2012
Kathleen Kim, Professor or Law, Loyola Law School; Co-author of AB 22, California’s current human trafficking law Debating California’s Prop 35, human trafficking law AirTalk for October 16, 2012
Today on Your Call: How should we combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation in California? KALW October 10, 2012
Prev Home Next I’m Not Voting Against Sex Trafficking; That Doesn’t Make Me a Bad Person Oct 9th, 2012
Examination of the pros and cons, however, raises some issues that should cause at least a modicum of discomfort for progressives.Prop 35: Human Trafficking, a Progressive DilemmaBy Kit-Bacon Gressitt 10.4.2012
Many trafficking victims actively resist rescue because they don’t want to be returned to the hellish conditions from which they came. If we really want to help victims of sex trafficking, then we should make it easier for them to obtain a U.S. visa once they are here rather than deporting them back to the conditions they were so desperate to escape.Proposition 35 falls short by Amy Roost 10.3.2012
Falsely Blaming the Legislature for November Ballot Initiatives By Joe MathewsTuesday, October 2nd, 2012
Maxine Doogan vs Chris Kelly KQED Radio Forum; Prop. 35: Ban on Human Trafficking and Sex Slavery October 2, 2012
Then we have the propositions which shouldn’t be there at all. Proposition 35 By Sue Lempert Oct, 1, 2012
Unneeded Prop. 35 would be costly and prone to abuse
Opponents, however, say it will further criminalize sex workers – most of whom are young women with children — and can be used to label sex workers themselves as pimps and traffickers. The California Coalition for Women Prisoners paints Prop. 35 as having a “law enforcement, pro-prison, anti-woman, anti-trans agenda,” and says that “Human trafficking is a real problem but it cannot be solved by harsher laws and more police crackdowns. Sex workers and real victims of trafficking need supportive community services, options for employment, and educational programs that do not work hand-in-hand with law enforcement, Homeland Security and ICE.” Sex trafficking measure aims to stop human rights abuses THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Oct. 1, 2012
Why Props 33, 35, 36 and 39 Should Be Taken Off the Ballot Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012
Props To You: Stiffening human trafficking penalties with Proposition 35
Props To You: Stiffening human trafficking penalties with Proposition 35-AudioBy Josie Huang Take Two September 24, 2012
Few people are publicly lining up against a ballot initiative that purports to get tougher on human traffickers—even though it may end up being a well-intentioned boondoggle.Yielding to traffic
Prostitutes speak out against Proposition 35 9.13.2012
But beyond the sound bites and hyperbole of Proposition 35 resides a poorly written law that further criminalizes and discriminates against sex workers and their consensual adult clients.oposition 35: Prohibition on Human Trafficking and Sex Slavery—Criminalizes the Sex Worker and not the TraffickerCynthia Garrity-Bond September 14, 2012
Prop 35 Sex Crimes Focus too Narrow
Letters to Editor; Poverty, High Education and Prop 35
Changing My Mind on Proposition 35
Victims advocates oppose Proposition 35 human trafficking measure
Who’s a sex trafficker. Under Proposition 35 You’d Be Surprised! San Francisco Bay Guardian September 18, 2012
The Man Behind Prop 35…BizLaw Blog Sept 17, 2012
Lilycat on Stuff – We will get all political and tell you what not to vote on 2 hour Audio Free Radio Sept.9.2012
San Francisco Slutwalk 2012-Maxine speaks out Sept 8, 2012
The Ventura Star Editorial: Prop. 35, human trafficking law, not good enough Sept 8, 2012
Similarly, uninformed voters can feel inclined to vote “yes” on any legislation purporting to rescue the innocent and punish the perpetrators.No on Prop. 35 Opinion: Vague wording, unintended consequencesBy Veronica Monet 08/10/2012
California’s Prop 35; What it Means to Escorts Michael Fattorosi
Another California Ballot Initiative To Be Wary Of
Why You Should Vote No On Prop 35
I Despise Human Trafficking, but I Oppose the Badly Drafted Prop 35
Why You Should Vote No On Prop 35 by Norma Jean Almodovar author of “From Cop To Call Girl
Informational Hearing on Proposition 35: Human Trafficking. Penalties. Sex Offender Registration Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Legislative Analysis Confused over who will have to register as a sex Offender Under Prop 35
ACLU of Northern California-No On 35
Video of No ON Prop 35 Susie Israel California Public Defenders Association
No On Prop 35 Stephen Munkelt of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
>Watch the whole 2 hour video hearing of Joint hearing of the Senate Public Safety Committee and the Assembly Public Safety Committee Title: Informational Hearing on Proposition 35: Human Trafficking. Penalties. Sex Offender Registration.Tuesday, August 14, 2012 Time: 9:30 am Place: State Capitol Room 4203
