News

Bush Signs Anti-Trafficking Bill

Christianity Today December 24, 2008

Religious leaders hailed President Bush’s signing of a bill that continues U.S. efforts to combat human trafficking across the globe.

In an Oval Office ceremony on Tuesday, Bush signed the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008.

“This is a piece of legislation we’re very proud to sign and to see that it’s authorizing funding for fiscal years … 2008 through 2011,” White House Deputy Press Secretary Tony Fratto told reporters before the signing ceremony. “And this program has been very effective around the world in trying to stop trafficking in persons in Africa and Asia.”

The law aims to prevent and prosecute trafficking of humans in foreign countries and assist its victims.

“This bill will significantly assist the United States government in impeding the trafficking of women and child for sexual purposes,” said Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, in a statement to Baptist Press, the denomination’s news service. “It’s a tremendously important new tool available to law enforcement officials in prosecuting those who traffic in human flesh. It will make a real difference to the victims of sex trafficking.”

Bishop John C. Wester, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, said the legislation will help eliminate “a horrific crime” in the United States and abroad.

“President Bush has done much to elevate public awareness about human trafficking and should be thanked for his leadership,” said Wester, of Salt Lake City, Utah. “It will be important, however, that the new administration and new Congress remain vigilant and continue to work to end this abominable practice.”

The bill, which passed both houses of Congress on Dec. 10, is named after William Wilberforce, a 19th-century British abolitionist.

Our Latest

News

Meet the Evangelical Expats Staying in Lebanon

Shout to the Lord in a Foreign Language

Worshiping God with words we don’t understand may seem strange. But I consider it a spiritual practice.

Jesus Is Still Right About Persecution

Nine truths believers need to understand to pray well for the suffering body of Christ.

The Bulletin

Electioneering

The Bulletin discusses the final presidential campaign push, churches in the age of screens, and the UN’s work in Gaza.

News

Argentina Moves to Officially Celebrate Its Evangelicals

Leaders are grateful for the government recognition but hope for further progress.

All Saints Die

Our yearly reminder for Christians neither to run from nor to leap toward death, but to learn the art of dying well.

 

 

 

 

The Antidote to Election Anxiety

My community is the kind you see in articles hyping the threat of political violence. Reality is more mundane—and hopeful.

News

Steven Curtis Chapman Joins Country Music Royalty

The Christian music star is the first in the industry to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube