Michael Allen, a Republican candidate for Colorado attorney general, recently expressed strong concerns over proposed legislation that seeks to legalize prostitution in the state. He described his reaction as “shocked,” particularly warning that such a move would potentially “open the floodgates” to human trafficking.
The proposal, introduced by Democratic state Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Lisa Cutter along with Representatives Lorena García and Rebekah Stewart, aims to “decriminalize adult commercial sexual activity.” Allen criticized the bill, stating it would make Colorado a leader in legalized prostitution and go far beyond existing laws in Nevada. “It doesn’t make any sense to me. It would not solve any issue that is happening on the ground in Colorado,” he stated during an interview, emphasizing that it fails to address the state’s budget or crime issues.
Allen’s objections hinge on the belief that the legislation could exacerbate the already troubling human trafficking situation in Colorado. He pointed out that Colorado is seeing a rampant rise in human trafficking, especially in the Denver metro area, which is recognized as a major hub for these crimes. According to data from the Common Sense Institute, a significant 79% of human trafficking crimes in the state are for the purpose of commercial sex, underscoring the direct correlation between prostitution and trafficking.
Describing the proposal as a “radical bill,” Allen condemned it as a missed opportunity to address serious criminal justice issues. He expressed frustration at the thoughtless nature of the legislation, noting that it would allow criminal activity to flourish without appropriate repercussions. “It is frankly very appalling to me that we’ve got four members of the left-leaning Democrat legislature who thought it would be a good idea to just open the floodgates and let these criminal actors run free.”
As a current district attorney, Allen understands the stakes involved in the upcoming election for attorney general. His ambition to reclaim this office for Republicans after a decade of Democratic control is tied to a broader dissatisfaction with what he labels “devastatingly bad criminal justice reform.” He insists that voters are ready for a change, aiming for a more effective approach to combat crime and protect Colorado citizens.
Allen’s forecast for the consequences of the prostitution bill is grim. He predicts it would lead to “continued depravity” in the state, further complicating an already serious issue with human trafficking. As he campaigns for office, he vows to leverage the authority of the attorney general’s office to hold perpetrators accountable and create a stronger protective stance for communities across Colorado.
In summary, Michael Allen’s staunch opposition to the legalization of prostitution reflects his concern about human trafficking’s deep roots in Colorado. His message underscores a clear commitment to addressing these challenges head-on, positioning his candidacy as a potential turning point in the state’s approach to criminal justice. Allen believes that the voters will recognize the urgency of this issue and will choose a path that promotes safety and accountability over one that may encourage lawlessness.
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