Prostitution memo to employees
A memo says that Justice Department employees who “accept commercial sex” undermine the agency’s efforts to combat human trafficking and invites blackmail, extortion, and leaks of sensitive information. Holder warns violators are subject to suspensions or termination and managers who fail to report suspected violations will also be subject to discipline. Contractors must also abide by the same rules.
Regardless of whether prostitution is legal or tolerated in a particular jurisdiction, soliciting prostitutes creates a greater demand for human trafficking victims and a consequent increase in the number of minor and adult persons trafficked into commercial sex slavery.
No federal charges
The Justice Department says its independent investigation finds “insufficient evidence” to charge Zimmerman with federal civil rights violations in the shooting death of Martin. Attorney General Holder says the evidence did not meet the high standard for a federal hate crime prosecution. The decision closes the federal investigation.
This young man’s premature death necessitates that we continue the dialogue and be unafraid of confronting the issues and tensions his passing brought to the surface. We, as a nation, must take concrete steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
The Martin family says they are “disappointed” by the decision.