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Last updated on Thursday, March 16, 2017
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana House Courts and Criminal Code Committee approved a small change in the criminal code on Wednesday, that will prevent victims of trafficking from an unfair label, thanks to Senate sponsor Roderick Bray and Morgan County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Robert Cline, a Lawrence County resident, who testified in support of Senate Bill 100.
Chief Deputy Cline told the committee about a Morgan County victim who received repeated unsolicited propositions of money for sex.
"Eventually, the victim grew tired of the harassment and contacted the prosecutor's office about filing charges, she was dismayed to learn the charge would be patronizing a prostitute," he added. "A change in the law would also fit when juveniles are trafficked. They should not be seen as prostitutes, they're victims. It's not right to call a victim a prostitute."
Sen. Bray's bill changes the charge of patronizing a prostitute to making an unlawful proposition.
"It's not just being politically correct," he added, "some women are victims and unfairly labeled as prostitutes. This simple change could have a real life effect on these victims."
The bill passed the committee by a vote of 9-0.
The Morgan County Prosecutor's Office stresses that the filing of criminal charges is only the beginning of the process and that the Defendant is presumed innocent until and unless his guilt is proven in court.
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