Michael Allen, a candidate for Colorado attorney general, reacted with disbelief to a recent proposal from Democratic lawmakers that would decriminalize prostitution within the state. He described the bill as a dangerous overreach, predicting it would have devastating consequences for Colorado’s most vulnerable citizens.
The proposed legislation, introduced by state Senators Nick Hinrichsen and Lisa Cutter, along with Representatives Lorena García and Rebekah Stewart, aims to “decriminalize adult commercial sexual activity.” Allen argues this goes far beyond existing regulations in Nevada, potentially establishing Colorado as the most permissive state regarding legalized prostitution.
“I was shocked,” Allen stated, questioning the rationale behind the bill. He believes it offers no solutions to existing problems, won’t address the state’s budget or crime issues, and represents a deeply misguided approach to public safety.
Allen, currently a district attorney, is running to become the first Republican attorney general in Colorado in over a decade. He frames his candidacy as a response to what he calls ten years of “devastatingly bad criminal justice reform” and believes voters are now seeking a change in leadership.
He contends the bill’s passage would inevitably exacerbate the already critical issue of human trafficking in Colorado. Allen points to the state’s position as a major transportation corridor, making it a prime target for traffickers and a significant hub for exploitation, particularly in the Denver metropolitan area.
Data from the Common Sense Institute supports Allen’s concerns, revealing record high numbers of human trafficking victims in Colorado. The study indicates that nearly 80 percent of reported human trafficking crimes in the state are related to commercial sex, with a strong concentration in the Denver region.
Allen firmly believes that prostitution and human trafficking are inextricably linked, describing the former as a “natural outgrowth” of the latter. He argues that decriminalization would effectively remove barriers for criminal actors and allow trafficking networks to operate with impunity.
If elected, Allen pledges to aggressively combat human trafficking by utilizing the power of the statewide grand jury to investigate and prosecute these crimes. He envisions a more proactive and effective Attorney General’s Office dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable.
Allen views the upcoming election as a pivotal moment for Colorado, emphasizing the need for a stronger stance against criminal activity affecting the entire state. He believes a shift in leadership is essential to protect Colorado’s citizens and address the growing threat of exploitation.
He warns that should the decriminalization bill ever become law, the result will be “continued depravity” within the state, further endangering vulnerable individuals and emboldening those who profit from human suffering.
