Michael Allen, a Republican candidate aiming for the Colorado attorney general position, has expressed strong concerns over a recent Democratic proposal to legalize prostitution in the state. Allen articulated that he was “shocked” by the bill’s introduction, emphasizing the potential dangers it could pose, particularly regarding human trafficking.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, he critiqued the rationale behind pushing for such a “radical bill.” This legislation, offered by Democratic state Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Lisa Cutter, along with Representatives Lorena García and Rebekah Stewart, seeks to “decriminalize adult commercial sexual activity.” Allen fears this move could lead to Colorado becoming a national leader in legalized prostitution, surpassing even Nevada’s existing laws.
Allen expressed his disbelief, stating, “It doesn’t make any sense to me. It would not solve any issue that is happening on the ground in Colorado.” He further elaborated that the proposal fails to address pressing issues such as the state’s significant budget deficits and crime rates. Allen argued that the legislative move appears to intend to “open the floodgates” for criminal behavior without adequate oversight.
The bill’s sponsors did not offer comments in response to Allen’s criticisms, leaving the dialogue mostly one-sided. Currently serving as a district attorney, Allen is one of the two Republicans vying for a chance to shift a key state office back to Republican hands after a decade of Democratic leadership.
Despite the Democratic majority in Colorado, Allen remains optimistic about his campaign, believing that after ten years of what he calls “devastatingly bad criminal justice reform,” the voters are ready for a change. He asserts the legislative efforts to legalize prostitution reflect poorly on the Democratic Party’s commitment to the welfare of Colorado residents. Allen predicts that if the bill were to pass, it would result in “continued depravity in the state of Colorado.”
Allen draws a direct link between prostitution and human trafficking. “Prostitution is a natural outgrowth of human trafficking,” he mentioned, stressing the undeniable connections. He highlighted Colorado’s geographical vulnerabilities, pointing out that the state hosts two major travel corridors known to facilitate human trafficking, particularly in the Denver metro area.
The rising number of human trafficking victims in Colorado has raised alarms, with data from the Common Sense Institute indicating that the state ranks high in human trafficking reports. Furthermore, a staggering 79% of human trafficking crimes reported in Colorado are connected to commercial sex, reinforcing Allen’s assertion regarding the prevalent issues surrounding the proposed legislation.
Should he become attorney general, Allen has pledged to combat these concerning trends in human trafficking. He emphasized the importance of a robust response from the attorney general’s office, including utilizing statewide grand juries to investigate and prosecute crimes effectively.
As he gears up for the upcoming midterm elections, which he predicts will be “pivotal,” Allen believes that a stronger, more effective approach is essential for addressing criminal activity that impacts the state significantly. In a climate of heightened awareness about crime and safety, Allen positions himself as a candidate prepared to tackle the pressing issues facing Colorado.
"*" indicates required fields
