Minnesota lawmakers pushing bipartisan anti-child sex trafficking legislation

A law that hasn't even taken effect yet in Minnesota is inspiring federal legislation to take on the problem of child sex trafficking in the United States.

In 2014, the Minnesota "Safe Harbor" law will define children under 18 who are sold for sex as "victims" rather than criminals.

Campaigns by the Women's Foundation of Minnesota and other advocacy organizations are driving home the message that Minnesota is literally at the crossroads of a national problem of young people being exploited for sex.

In Congress, members of Minnesota's delegation from both parties are pushing legislation to update laws against child sex trafficking.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with DFL U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen from Minnesota's Third Congressional District about the issue.

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