Prostitution in American Samoa explained

Prostitution in American Samoa is illegal, as are related activities such as brothel keeping and pimping.[1] These acts are punishable by law, including a fine of more than $500 or a jail sentence of up to a year for customers of prostitution.[2] Prostitution occurs in bars[3] and nightclubs, and in boats moored in the harbours.[4]

W. Somerset Maugham's short story Rain about a missionary trying to get a prostitute to give up her ways is based on Maugham's visit to American Samoa's capital Pago Pago in 1916.[5]

Legislation

Although an Unincorporated territory of the United States, American Samoa is self-governing and has its own laws.

Chapter 37 of Title 46 (Criminal Justice) of the American Samoa Code legislates against prostitution and related activities:[6]

Sex trafficking

Young women from nearby Samoa are brought to the island, often through family connections, for domestic chores and are subsequently subjected to sex trafficking.[7]

In 2007, five Chinese nationals were jailed for trafficking Chinese women into the country to work as prostitutes in bars and nightclubs. The two ringleaders were sentenced to 62 and 63 months imprisonment. The victims had their passports taken away, weren't paid, and weren't allowed to leave until they had paid off their ever-increasing debts.[8] [9]

Law enforcement officers raided the U.S. territory's Office of Immigration in January 2010. It was alleged that in the previous 6 months immigration officials had waived through trafficking victims without performing the required checks on people entering the country. Possibly hundreds of victims were brought through in this manner during the period. The women being used by a prostitution ring.[10]

The Government of American Samoa introduced specific law to combat human trafficking.[11] The legislation was further strengthened in 2014.[12]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sex Work and the Law in Asia and the Pacific . Godwin . John . October 2012 . .
  2. Book: Global Perspectives on Prostitution and Sex Trafficking: Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Oceania. Baker & Dalla. R & L. 2011. 288.
  3. Web site: Two women in American Samoa sentenced over . Fiji One. February 3, 2018. January 11, 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150625100849/http://fijione.tv/two-women-in-american-samoa-sentenced-over-prosititution/. June 25, 2015 .
  4. Web site: Prostitution Being Tackled In American Samoa. Pacific Islands Report. February 3, 2018. February 24, 2000.
  5. https://books.google.com/books?id=H0MqigagKTkC&dq=miss+thompson+somerset+maugham&pg=PA244 Page 244
  6. Web site: Code Annotated Chapter 37 - Prostitution. American Samoa Bar Association. February 3, 2018. en-gb.
  7. Web site: Proposed human trafficking law in American Samoa draws reactions. Radio New Zealand. February 3, 2018. en-nz. September 10, 2013.
  8. Web site: Two Chinese Nationals Sentenced for Sex Trafficking Charges in American Samoa. Department of Justice. February 3, 2018. January 4, 2008.
  9. Web site: American Samoa prostitution ringleaders jailed. Radio Australia. February 3, 2018. en-intl. December 19, 2011.
  10. Web site: Authorities raid American Samoa immigration office. San Diego Union Tribune. February 3, 2018. January 8, 2010.
  11. Web site: Trafficking in Persons Report (10th Ed.). United States Department of State. February 3, 2018. June 2010.
  12. Web site: New American Samoa law fights human trafficking. NewsOK. February 3, 2018. April 2, 2014.

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