Colorado AG Candidate Slams Proposal to Legalize Prostitution

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Michael Allen, a Republican candidate for Colorado attorney general, expressed shock at a Democratic proposal to legalize prostitution, warning it would 'open the floodgates' to human trafficking in the state. Allen said the bill would go far beyond Nevada's laws and make Colorado 'the leader in the entire country on legalized prostitution.' He believes the bill would not solve any issues in Colorado and would instead lead to 'continued depravity' and empower criminal actors.

Why it matters

Colorado is currently seeing record highs in human trafficking victims and is ranked among the states with the highest numbers of reports, with 79% of the crimes being for commercial sex purposes. The issue is concentrated in the Denver metro area, which Allen says is a 'huge hub for human trafficking' due to major transportation corridors in the state.

The details

The bill, introduced by Democratic state lawmakers, would 'decriminalize adult commercial sexual activity.' Allen said it would be much more permissive than Nevada's prostitution laws. As attorney general, Allen vowed to use the statewide grand jury to investigate and prosecute human trafficking crimes, which he believes are deeply connected to prostitution.

• The bill was introduced last month by Democratic state lawmakers.
• The upcoming midterm election in Colorado, including Allen's race for attorney general, will be 'pivotal' in addressing the issue.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.