October 7, 2016 Radio Commentary

Sex Crime Question on the Ballot

Radio Commentary, 90.7, 91.7 New Life FM, October 7, 2016 – By Sue Ella Deadwyler

The 2016 General Assembly passed four resolutions proposing amendments to the Georgia constitution. Each of the four resolutions passed the Georgia House and Senate by two-thirds vote, but the constitution cannot be amended without voter ratification, which means voters must approve every change to the constitution.

Last week I reported the first question you’ll be asked on the November 8th ballot. Today’s subject is Question No. 2 that is so complicated it took 89 words to ask it. In a nutshell you will be asked whether fines for sex crimes should be increased, so more money can be sent to the Safe harbor for Sexually Exploited Children Fund to pay for care, rehabilitation and social services for anyone in this state who has been or may be sexually exploited.

That sounds reasonable enough, UNLESS you know how the definition of “sexually exploited” has been twisted. The twisting began several years ago when legislation passed deeming anyone under age 18 to be a sexually exploited victim, whether or not the participant was forced or willingly participated in prostitution, pornography, pandering, pimping or illicit massage, and whether or not they were paid to do so.When that became law, no provision was made to distinguish between those who deliberately committed a sex crime and those who were forced to commit a sex crime. So, law enforcement can no longer place in custody anyone under age 18 who is among those caught in sting operations. Since individuals under age 18 cannot be held in custody, law enforcement has no time or opportunity to determine who participates by choice or who is a victim of sexual exploitation.

The result is this: individuals under age 18, who may be in it for the money, are not charged for an offense, but are rewarded for breaking the law. They receive multiple unlimited benefits, including cash, housing, health care, education, counseling, and related services. If Question No. 2 receives a majority vote, this practice will get more funding; more youthful sex offenders may take advantage of the “victim” status; and Georgians will be enabling young people to play the system and irreparably ruin their lives without fear of breaking the law.

If this passes, the movement to normalize and legitimize illicit sex will have more resources to reward young people who choose dangerous lifestyles. On November 8th, vote NO on Ballot Question No. 2. For Georgia Insight I’m Sue Ella Deadwyler, your Capitol correspondent.