Activists demand redraft of the Trafficking Bill

Hyderabad: Activists working for the rights of sex workers and transgenders strongly protested the Provisions under Trafficking of persons ( Prevention , Protection and Rehabilitation) bill criticized it’s high moral approach towards the issue and demanding a redraft.

The bill also says that all trafficking victims and sex workers must be rehabilitated. Activists pointed out that it doesn’t mention consenting sex workers , hence , acting against them. The bills makes sure that all trafficked victims are sent to rehabilitation centers run by government and other volunteer agencies. Activists say putting women and children in ‘rehabilitation homes’ without their consent borders human rights violation. Another concern is that the bill directly and indirectly criminalises consenting sex workers by including ‘soliciting’ via electronic communication as an aggravated offence.

The bill also says giving chemicals or hormones for accelerated sexual maturity to a victim is an “aggravated offence” obstructing sex-change by surgery , as protested by the activists.