How to Help Combat Sex Slavery on Aurora and During the FIFA World Cup

Dec 15

The World Cup, happening in Seattle June–July 2026, is the world's largest sex trafficking event.

Faithful Presence and the Care of the Vulnerable in Washington State

As Christians, we confess that our primary citizenship is in the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ is Lord—not only of the Church, but of all creation. At the same time, Scripture also teaches us that God has ordered human life through distinct callings and spheres of responsibility: the Church, the family, and the civil government, each accountable to God and each with its own proper task.

Because of this, the Church must never become a political arm of the state, nor should the state attempt to run the Church. Yet neither are God’s people called to withdraw from the life of our cities. Rather, we are invited to live as a faithful presence within our communities—bearing witness to God’s concern for justice, truth, and the protection of the vulnerable, while honoring the proper role of civil authorities.

It is in this spirit that we want to share information about a piece of legislation currently under consideration in Washington State.

Why This Matters

Harbor parishioner, Alison Barnes, who heads up our ACNA-WA Anti-Trafficking ThinkTank would like to share some important information with us about a bill currently in process by the WA State Legislature. The bill, HB 1265 Commercial Sexual Exploitation, would make patronizing a prostitute a felony, as opposed to a misdemeanor (as it is now).

This legislation is not about moral posturing or political alignment. It is about addressing a grave injustice that exists in our own region.

Seattle has one of the most prolific sex-trafficking markets in the United States, particularly along Aurora Avenue North.
Large international events, including the World Cup coming to Seattle in June–July 2026, are consistently associated with increased human trafficking.
The vast majority of the commercial sex industry today involves individuals—often women and children—who are compelled through force, fraud, or coercion.

HB 1265 seeks to reduce demand for sexual exploitation. Law enforcement agencies have limited capacity and must prioritize felony crimes. By elevating this offense, the bill would give police and prosecutors stronger tools to intervene in systems that prey upon the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Notably, this effort has been supported by the Seattle Police Department as well as King and Pierce County Prosecutors, who have urged the Legislature to act.

The Time to Contact Legislators is Now

In this non-budgetary year, the WA State Legislature will meet for only 60 days, from January 12–March 12, so it’s critical if you would like to help this bill pass, that legislators hear from us now.

How to Contact Your Legislator (and Sample Messaging)

To contact your legislator, click this link, fill in your address, click "Find my District," click on your legislator's name, and write a message, or use the sample message below.

Dear Rep. {Name},

I am writing to you in support of HB 1265, Commercial Sexual Exploitation. The majority of the commercial sex market today is comprised of sex slaves—women and children who are forced into this slavery via force, fraud, or coercion. At present, the patrons of these sex slaves operate with relative impunity and face few legal consequences for their actions. Elevating this crime to a felony would allow law enforcement to focus on greater enforcement, and tamp down demand in this marketplace that preys on the most vulnerable people in our community. Please vote "Yes" in favor of HB 1265.

Sincerely,

{Your name}