State House Backs Charge On Strip Clubs To Fight Trafficking

The Georgia House has approved a constitutional amendment charging strip clubs to provide services for victims of child sexual abuse.

The charge would be $5,000 or 1 percent of revenue on adult entertainment businesses, whichever is greater. It also would increase financial penalties on people convicted of certain crimes. The funds will go toward services for victims of child trafficking.

Opponents say the proposal unfairly targets the clubs which may not contribute to the problem.

Lawmakers later approved a bill that gives victims more time to file civil lawsuits against people for damage following child sexual abuse. It also would prevent people younger than 18 from being found guilty of a sexual crime if they were coerced or deceived. Both measures return to the Senate for consideration.

Tags: strip clubs, strib clubs fight trafficking, georgia house backs strip club penalty bill