A COMMENT FROM JEFF KEITH, CEO OF ANTI SEX TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION GUARDIAN GROUP, ON THE PASSAGE OF FOSTA AND THE SHUT DOWN OF THE WEBSITE BACKPAGE
April 13, 2018
•2 min read
Bend, OR—Jeff Keith, Founder and CEO of locally based Guardian Group, an anti-sex trafficking organization that works to eradicate this crime and free its victims across the globe, has issued this statement on the recent passage of FOSTA:
“A beam of light has broken through the darkness. The bill signed yesterday commonly referred to as FOSTA (Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act), also known as SESTA (the Stop Enabling Sex-Trafficking Act) will protect victims of sex trafficking and disrupt those already targeted for exploitation. This is more than a glimmer of optimism for survivors of this crime and those presently trapped in its clutches. FOSTA signals to these exploited and oppressed girls and boys that we as a community are starting to take notice and take action to protect our vulnerable youth.
We cannot let this historic event be turned into something divisive. This is not a war on individual freedoms, nor aimed at those few who choose to work in the sex industry. This bill is aimed to protect children and those trapped with no seemingly way out. The internet can be a force for good and it can be a force for evil. Backpage and other “escort” sites have been overwhelmingly a force for evil.
Wednesday’s bill signing is a win for the good guys. We asked a survivor her thoughts on the signing she states, “It’s amazing to see so many people have come alongside survivors and victims of trafficking. I know there have been many times I’ve felt isolated or like no one cared. The amount of work and support that has been put into this bill speaks volumes to us. I know that the work isn’t over, in fact it’s just begun, but this is a huge step in the right direction.”
Together we can make a difference. Join the fight. It has only just begun.”
###
For media interviews or more information, please reach out to Andrea Lowe, Executive Assistant. 541-213-9472 or [email protected]
Trending Now
1
3
4
Read Next
Thought Leaders
Introducing the NEW Equities News: Transforming the world by investing in what matters most
Paula DeLaurentis
Mar 15, 2024
Economic
An opportunity for women in the clean-energy transition
Green Money
Mar 12, 2024
Economic
Making diversity in venture-capital funding a priority
Yinka Faleti
Mar 11, 2024
Environment
E-bike incentives are a costly way to cut carbon emissions, but they also promote health
The Conversation
Mar 7, 2024
3 dividend-paying health-care stocks that top analysts recommend
Benzinga
Mar 7, 2024
Economic
The true cost of food is far higher than what you spend at the grocery checkout
The Conversation
Mar 6, 2024
The Latest
Thought Leaders
Introducing the NEW Equities News: Transforming the world by investing in what matters most
Mar 15, 2024
Economic
An opportunity for women in the clean-energy transition
Mar 12, 2024
Economic
Making diversity in venture-capital funding a priority
Mar 11, 2024
Environment
E-bike incentives are a costly way to cut carbon emissions, but they also promote health
Mar 7, 2024