Debate Intensifies Over Decriminalization of Sex Work in Michigan’s Attorney General Race
The issue of sex work decriminalization has taken center stage in Michigan’s attorney general race, with Republican candidate Doug Lloyd criticizing his Democratic opponent, Eli Savit, for his approach. Lloyd, currently the Eaton County prosecuting attorney, described Savit’s policies as “foolish and dangerous” during a recent press event, where he was joined by survivors of sex trafficking.
Eli Savit, who serves as the Washtenaw County prosecutor, has implemented a policy of decriminalizing consensual sex work in his jurisdiction. This approach aligns with recommendations from organizations like the Human Rights Campaign and the American Civil Liberties Union. Despite this, Savit’s office continues to prosecute sex traffickers and holds buyers accountable with misdemeanor charges when necessary.
Lloyd contends that Savit’s policies do not address the complexities of the sex trade, stating, “It is the perspective of a social engineer, not a prosecutor.” He argues that such policies could inadvertently contribute to the problem of sex trafficking.
One of the voices supporting Lloyd’s stance comes from Leyna Luttrull, a survivor of human trafficking and an advocate for anti-trafficking measures. At the press conference, Luttrull expressed concern that failing to prosecute buyers, pimps, and traffickers could allow the issue to persist, saying, “If we do not demand to prosecute our buyers, our pimps, and our traffickers, make no mistake: their darkness will only continue to burrow.”
Despite their differences, Lloyd, Luttrull, and Savit all agree on the need for legislative measures that target human trafficking more effectively. They support bills in the state Legislature that seek to increase penalties for traffickers while allowing victims to expunge crimes committed under duress. As Luttrull noted, “Our bills do include partial decriminalization of the victims, but it includes increased penalties for the traffickers and buyers.”
Meanwhile, Savit’s campaign has responded to Lloyd’s criticisms by questioning his record and vision for the role of attorney general. Campaign spokesperson Naina Agrawal-Hardin remarked, “Throughout this campaign, Lloyd has continually failed to articulate any positive vision for how he would use the Department of Attorney General to make Michiganders’ lives better. Instead, he relies on transparent and desperate attempts to deflect attention from his own abysmal record and lack of vision. Michiganders deserve better.”
As the debate continues, both candidates remain steadfast in their positions, highlighting the broader conversation on how best to handle issues of sex work and trafficking within Michigan.
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