The recent resignation of Representative Matt Gaetz from Congress has raised serious questions about transparency and accountability for those who cause sexual harm. Two days before the House Committee on Ethics was set to vote on releasing a report regarding serious allegations against Gaetz—including potential involvement in sexual misconduct, prostitution, and sex trafficking of a minor—he resigned, effectively ending the Committee’s jurisdiction over him. Now that Gaetz was nominated for the role of U.S. Attorney General, it is imperative that the public has access to the findings of this investigation before any confirmation proceedings.
While Mr. Gaetz has not been found guilty in a court of law, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) has formally requested both the House Committee on Ethics and the Senate Judiciary Committee to take immediate action to resolve all doubts about his involvement. In letters sent to both committees, we expressed our gratitude for their commitment to justice and human dignity. We also emphasized the need for transparency in this case, especially given the critical role of the Attorney General in upholding our nation’s laws against sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, and abuse. You can read the letters we sent to the House Ethics Committee here and the Senate Judiciary Committee here.
Why This Matters
The position of Attorney General is the highest law enforcement role in the country. If confirmed, Mr. Gaetz would be responsible for enforcing laws designed to protect the vulnerable and uphold human dignity. Specifically, as relates to NCOSE’s mission, the U.S. Department of Justice enforces our nation’s laws against sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, prostitution, obscenity, and more.
It is also crucial to understand the connections between prostitution, sex trafficking, and so-called “sugar dating.” While some may attempt to mask the practice of paying for sex via “gifts” or “tuition” for girlfriends, the reality is that these arrangements serve as a veil for prostitution and sex trafficking. Many of those involved in such arrangements are vulnerable young women, often from marginalized communities, who are struggling to make ends meet. The power dynamics at play in these situations—where wealthy, powerful men offer financial support in exchange for sexual favors—are deeply exploitive.
- Seeking Arrangement has been named to the NCOSE Dirty Dozen List
- 5 Things Sex Buyers Reveal About Prostitution
- The Hill: “Give sex-buyers the attention they deserve”
As an elected member of Congress, Mr. Gaetz admitted to attending “sex” parties. These parties reportedly included young women, some allegedly minors, who were paid to participate in sex acts and procured via the known prostitution website Seeking Arrangement. It is further alleged that Mr. Gaetz did not merely attend these events but actively participated. Evidence suggests he sent payments through Venmo and Cash App to an associate, who then transferred funds to the women, labeling payments as “tuition.” That associate is currently serving an 11-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking and other crimes. Some on Mr. Gaetz’s team argued that the prostitution taking place at the parties fell outside U.S. jurisdiction because it took place on yachts in international waters, an excuse that does not stand up to moral, and perhaps, legal scrutiny.
The victims and survivors we serve deserve no less than a complete resolution of the allegations of Gaetz engaging in sex buying, possibly of a minor. The people of this country deserve assurance that their leaders are committed to executing justice and upholding our nation’s laws without exception. As Attorney General, Mr. Gaetz would be responsible for enforcing the laws meant to protect vulnerable people from sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, laws he is alleged to have violated. Given the immense public interest and the stakes involved, the American people deserve the opportunity to review the results of the years-long House Ethics investigation.
Take Action: Contact Your Member of Congress
Now is the time to raise our voices. We invite you to email your representatives and ask them to:
- Urge the House Ethics Committee to release its report on the investigation into Mr. Gaetz’s conduct. The public deserves to know the truth, especially as these findings directly relate to his fitness for the role of Attorney General.
- Request that the Senate Judiciary Committee withhold confirmation proceedings for Mr. Gaetz until every question about his involvement in these allegations is fully resolved.
Your representatives have the power to ensure that our leaders are held to the highest standards of accountability. Here’s a quick email template you can use to contact your member of Congress and express your concerns. Let them know that our country deserves an Attorney General who will enforce our laws without exception, especially those protecting against sexual exploitation and abuse.
Thank you for standing with us in this important moment for justice, transparency, and the protection of human dignity.
