Originally Published at Fox News
By Sam Dorman
Two alleged sex trafficking survivors are suing the state of Nevada arguing that it violated the 13th Amendment by facilitating and benefiting from illegal sex trade in the state.
Announced on Monday, the lawsuit specifically names the state’s attorney general and Gov. Steve Sisolak, along with multiple counties and private entities.
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), which is bringing the suit on behalf of alleged survivors, is asking a district court to declare unconstitutional state and local laws legalizing prostitution. That includes escort services and county ordinances that license legal brothels.
“Nevada’s legal prostitution system has inherently contributed to the sex trafficking of these plaintiffs for both the benefit of sex buyers who flock to Nevada and for the profit of Nevada and its tourism industry,” said Christen Price, senior legal counsel at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
“The plaintiffs were subjected to violence, threats, and other forms of control by sex trade profiteers, which is precisely what the Thirteenth Amendment forbids. Ultimately, these Nevada defendants must be held accountable for enabling this abuse.”
