Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1865, the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act.

“Last year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed over a dozen bills that continued our efforts to end human trafficking, support vulnerable communities, and implement a stronger detection system. I was proud to speak on the House floor in support of these initiatives, as well as the Human Trafficking Task Force created by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.”

 “Today, the House took an additional step by passing the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, H.R. 1865. This legislation imposes new criminal penalties on anyone who uses or operates websites that facilitate prostitution. I am hopeful that we can continue to work together in a bipartisan manner to protect victims of human trafficking.”

There are an estimated 20.9 million women, men, and children who are victims of human trafficking or forced labor worldwide, a $150 billion industry. H.R. 1865 expresses the sense of Congress that section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934 was not intended to provide legal protection to websites that unlawfully promote and facilitate prostitution and contribute to sex trafficking.