- Letter to Members of Knesset – ***CLICK HERE TO SIGN & SEND***
- Best Practices
- Fast Facts about Prostitution in Israel
- Proposed Legislation
- Take Action!
MK Orit Zuaretz speaks with volunteers at the Project 119 kick-off meeting on January 11, 2012
On February 12, the Ministerial Committee, comprised of 21 ministers, voted unanimously to support legislation, proposed by Kadima Knesset Member Orit Zuartez,
to criminalize the purchase of sexual services. This bill is based closely on the Nordic Law, which has been enacted in Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and most recently France. The Nordic model, which establishes consequences for those who purchase sexual services, works on the principle that in order to effectively combat sex trafficking and prostitution the demand for sexual services must be addressed. It has proven to be an effective deterrent to potential clients of prostitutes and the countries that have passed legislation based on this model have seen significant declines in both prostitution and sex trafficking. Click HERE to see the proposed bill in full.
While getting the bill through the Ministerial Committee was a significant victory, it is important to note that it has still not been passed into law. The Task Force on Human Trafficking (TFHT) is concerned that Knesset members will stall the bill indefinitely and delay the process. Thus, TFHT is continuing Project 119, which pairs volunteers with Knesset members to lobby for the cause. Volunteers are required to send one e-mail a week to their designated MK (based on a sample e-mail that they receive from the TFHT staff). The time commitment is minimal, but the impact is huge.
It is particularly important that we not lose our momentum at this crucial time, and so we ask that you take part in our lobbying campaign. For more information, please contact Rebecca.
With your help, this progressive legislation can be made into law, and Israel can become a leader in the war against modern slavery.
