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. Continue reading →