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Colorado GOP Attorney General Candidate Condemns Democratic Prostitution Proposal
Republican attorney general candidate Michael Allen has voiced strong opposition to a Democratic proposal that would legalize prostitution in Colorado, warning that such legislation could exacerbate human trafficking issues already plaguing the state.
“I was shocked,” Allen told Fox News Digital about the bill, which was introduced last month by Democratic state Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Lisa Cutter along with Representatives Lorena García and Rebekah Stewart. “It’s hard for me to even decipher why they’ve decided this is the time and place to introduce a radical bill like this.”
The proposed legislation, described by its sponsors as an effort to “decriminalize adult commercial sexual activity,” would reportedly go beyond Nevada’s existing prostitution laws, potentially making Colorado what Allen characterized as “the leader in the entire country on legalized prostitution.”
Allen, currently serving as a Colorado district attorney, argued that the bill fails to address the state’s pressing needs. “It doesn’t make any sense to me. It would not solve any issue that is happening on the ground in Colorado. It would not help with our huge budget deficit. It will not help our crime deficit,” he said.
Of particular concern to Allen is the potential impact on human trafficking, an issue already reaching crisis levels in Colorado. According to data from the Common Sense Institute, Colorado ranks among states with the highest numbers of human trafficking reports, with record numbers of victims being identified. The study confirms that approximately 79% of Colorado human trafficking crimes are connected to commercial sexual exploitation.
“Prostitution is a natural outgrowth of human trafficking,” Allen explained. “The links are undeniable.”
Colorado’s geographic position makes it particularly vulnerable to trafficking activities, with Allen noting that “two major corridors of travel go through the state,” which he described as “major arteries for human trafficking.” The Denver metropolitan area has become what Allen termed a “huge hub” for such criminal enterprises, a claim supported by the Common Sense Institute’s research showing trafficking concentration in the capital region.
While the bill appears to have stalled in the state legislature for now, Allen maintains that its introduction demonstrates how Colorado’s Democratic leadership is “not doing the right things on behalf of the people in this state.” Should it eventually pass, Allen predicts it would lead to “continued depravity in the state of Colorado.”
Allen is one of two Republicans campaigning to become Colorado’s attorney general. If successful, he would be the first Republican to hold the position in over a decade. Despite Colorado’s predominantly Democratic political landscape, Allen believes voters are ready for change after what he describes as “10 years of devastatingly bad criminal justice reform.”
As part of his campaign platform, Allen has committed to combating human trafficking if elected. “The attorney general’s office has the ability to use the statewide grand jury to investigate those crimes and then also prosecute those crimes and hold people accountable,” he said.
The bill’s Democratic sponsors did not respond to requests for comment on Allen’s criticism.
Allen characterized the upcoming election as “pivotal” for Colorado’s future. “We need to have a better, stronger and more effective posture from our Colorado Attorney General’s Office to combat criminal activity that is, frankly, affecting the entire state of Colorado,” he concluded.
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6 Comments
I can understand the desire to decriminalize adult sex work, but this proposal seems too broad and risks doing more harm than good. Colorado should focus on addressing the root causes of human trafficking and supporting victims, not opening the door to further exploitation.
Agreed, the priority should be on cracking down on traffickers and protecting the vulnerable, not legitimizing the entire industry. A more nuanced approach is needed here.
This is a complex and sensitive issue without easy solutions. I can see the argument for decriminalization, but the human trafficking risks are very real and concerning. Colorado should focus on proven strategies to combat trafficking and support victims, not rush into broad legalization.
This is a concerning proposal that could make the human trafficking crisis in Colorado even worse. Legalizing prostitution may seem like a solution, but often it just emboldens criminal networks and increases exploitation. Lawmakers need to carefully consider the potential unintended consequences.
Interesting that this proposal is being pushed in a state facing a human trafficking crisis. I’m curious to hear more about the rationale and how legislators plan to ensure adequate safeguards against exploitation. Decriminalization may sound good in theory but the real-world impacts need close examination.
While I appreciate the intent to reduce the stigma around sex work, this bill seems ill-conceived. Legalizing prostitution often increases sex trafficking, as criminal networks take advantage. Colorado should tread very carefully here and put victims’ safety first.