Navajo Nation lawmakers, who have convened today for the spring session, are considering a bill that would make sexual exploitation of children via the Internet a crime punishable by the tribe, according to an AP story published April 18 in the Durango Herald News.
Under the proposed law, anyone caught using a computer, digital camera, telephone, video recorder or other electronic equipment to prey on minors would be subject to prosecution and, if convicted, could face up to one year in jail, a $5,000 fine or both. They also would be required to register as a sex offender with the tribe.
The bill, sponsored by Hope MacDonald Lone Tree, would also make the possession of child pornography a crime under tribal law.
Very thankful to hear that. Our children need to be protected, that's why God placed them in our care. I pray this bill passes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a step forward that would be! Now if only the federal lawmakers would do the same! Way to go Navajo Nation! Protect the children!
ReplyDeleteI believe it's a step in the right direction, but I also think there needs to be education for our children about sexual abuse. I know, as a Native Ameican that we have the highest numbers for sexual abuse and rape and when you think about the relationship between alcohol and sexual abuse, the numbers rise even more. We have the higest rate of alcohol abuse in the nation!! This kind of abuse kills the soul of so many of our people and effects them their entire life. We need to be able to talk about sexual abuse with out any shame.. and then try to heal. I'm a woman from the Pomo Tribe in california and I'm a child advocate. Good luck and may the creator bless!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Creator, for giving that Indian woman the sense and initiative to create a law to protect our children. After all aren't they our most valuable resource, our Indian children. It's just heart breaking we have to protect our children from such ruthless and heartless predators. Almost seems like the old West.....just a time difference. I will put out my tabacco for this bill to pass.
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