Press Releases

Statement by Mary Ellison, Director of Policy, Polaris Project:

“Polaris Project is celebrating a major victory today with the long-awaited passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). After almost two years of urging action on this bill, we are thrilled to see the House of Representatives support this critical tool that provides vital services to survivors and curtails human trafficking at home and abroad. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Prior to today, 49 states had passed human trafficking laws. Today Wyoming joins the ranks as the last state to ban human trafficking with Governor Matt Mead signing the first anti-trafficking law in Wyoming, making it illegal to traffic individuals for commercial sex or forced labor.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Statement by Mary Ellison, Director of Policy, Polaris Project  

CHEYENNE, WY – Wyoming is on track to become the 50th state to pass legislation against human trafficking, making it illegal to traffic individuals for commercial sex or forced labor. On Friday, January 25th, bill sponsors Representatives Cathy Connolly (D-Laramie) and Keith Gingery (R-Teton) urged their colleagues to support the measure, which increases punishment of traffickers and provides social services for underage victims of commercial sex exploitation.