Former Arizona state Rep. reportedly said he didn't want to 'demonize' child sex trafficking
A former Arizona state representative reportedly told a woman they could "agree to disagree" over whether child sex trafficking is harmful to children.
Former Arizona state Rep. David Stringer, who resigned on March 27 as revelations that he was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting two children came to light, reportedly told an activist last year that he doesn't want to "demonize" child sex trafficking, reports The Arizona Republic.
These comments were surfaced as part of an ethics investigation into the former representative, with two women telling investigators they had this interaction with Stringer in 2018. When one of the women raised the issue of child sex trafficking, he reportedly objected and said he didn't believe there is a lot of child sex trafficking but laughed while saying there are a "lot of 15-year-old prostitutes."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
When the woman responded that child sex trafficking is actually a very serious concern, he reportedly responded, "I really don't believe that." Apparently to back up his opinion that child sex trafficking does no "damage" to children, he reportedly said, "If an uncle takes his niece or nephew to a playground, and they go on the merry-go-round and have some ice cream, and then do their thing, that's just part of the experience." The woman adds that Stringer told her they could "agree to disagree" on the issue.
After Stringer resigned from Arizona's House of Representatives, ethics investigators released a police report showing that in 1983, he was arrested and accused of paying two underage boys for sex, one of whom had a developmental disability. He reportedly accepted a plea deal and continues to maintain his innocence. Prior to the sexual abuse charge revelation, Stringer had come under fire for racist comments, The New York Times notes, such as when he said black people "don't blend in" with society.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
5 fun Easter activities from The Week Junior
The Week Junior Easter Activities Looking for some fun, simple Easter activities to do with the kids? Look no further – The Week Junior has you covered with these five fun and family-friendly activities.
By The Week UK Published
-
A Taste of Honey: 'wonderful' revival remains 'vital and relevant'
The Week Recommends The 'period-perfect' production features a 'universally excellent cast'
By The Week UK Published
-
Bormio: 'a great Alpine getaway'
The Week Recommends From snowy slopes and hot-spring spas, to high-end food and wine, this Italian town has something to offer everyone
By Asya Likhtman Published
-
Puffed rice and yoga: inside the collapsed tunnel where Indian workers await rescue
Speed Read Workers trapped in collapsed tunnel are suffering from dysentery and anxiety over their rescue
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
More than 2,000 dead following massive earthquake in Morocco
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mexico's next president will almost certainly be its 1st female president
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
North Korea's Kim to visit Putin in eastern Russia to discuss arms sales for Ukraine war, U.S. says
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Gabon's military leader sworn in following coup in latest African uprising
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published