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The Safe Harbor for Exploited Children Act
FACTS & FAQ’S
Despite the fact that, under New York Law, children under the age of 17 cannot consent to sex, before the passing of the Safe Harbor Act, children as young as 11 and 12 have been routinely charged and incarcerated for prostitution. With the passing of this law, New York State will stop treating exploited children like criminals and provide them with services and safe houses – not jail cells. The Safe Harbor for Exploited Children Act will create a continuum of services to meet the needs of New York’s sexually exploited children.
Read fact sheet about the Safe Harbor Act!
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GEMS News
Say NO to HBO!
Filmmakers Albert and Allen Hughes are revisiting themes they explored in their 1999
documentary, American Pimp, by developing a dramatic series for HBO called Gentlemen
of Leisure. The show would look at the world of prostitution in Oakland, CA, through
the eyes of a legendary pimp who is considering retirement. The show sets to glorify
pimp-
Going to Albany was a great experience because I was able to talk about everything I’ve learned and been through and try and get others to understand why sexual exploitation is a real problem.
– Holly
Affecting Statewide Legislation
As previously reported, GEMS successfully worked with NY State Senators to introduce the Safe Harbor for Exploited Youth Act into legislation in 2007. The bill passed unanimously in the House, and came very close to passing in the Senate in the final days of session in June, 2007. While this legislation did not pass in 2007, the Act garnered bilateral support, and drew significant media attention for the issue of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking. In 2008, the bill was reintroduced and due in part to the continued hard work and effort of GEMS’ members the bill has passed in both houses. As in prior years, GEMS members advocated for the passage of the law by traveling to Albany for legislative briefings, as well as conducting interviews with the press. After GEMS members continual advocacy and letter writing efforts the Safe Harbor for Exploited Children Act was signed by Governor Patterson on September 26th, 2008!
On SHOWTIME
December 11th, 2008
8:30 p.m.
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Very Young Girls
Very Young Girls
On SHOWTIME