State Rep. Donna Givens (R-Loxley) has introduced a bill that would automatically sentence individuals convicted of child trafficking to life in prison.
House Bill 42, known as the “Sound of Freedom Act,” would add a line to Alabama's criminal code that would affect this change.
The bill is named after the surprise 2023 box office hit “The Sound of Freedom,” which loosely depicts events in the life of Tim Ballard, founder of the anti-human trafficking organization Operation Underground Railroad. It was named.
Under current Alabama law, first-degree human trafficking is already a Class A felony, punishable by 20 years to life in prison. Under Mr. Givens' amendment, the court would impose a life sentence.
“I went to the movies, and I sat there during the movie and thought, 'Okay, I have to do something.' I felt like God was speaking to me, and this is something I should do. We felt we needed to be very strong about it,” Givens told the far-right media site. “I know when you hear that you're like, 'Wow, that's a steep penalty.' Well, it's a great crime. Someone loses a child, their own child, a loved one, just to make money.” Losing for desire for.”
The film was quickly embraced, especially by the right, and brought in $50 million at the box office. However, the film has been surrounded by some controversy. Far-right viewers have sparked conspiracy theories that the film has been blacklisted from theaters and streaming services, even though major theater chain AMC has shown the film and Amazon Prime has acquired streaming rights. Ta.
There has also been criticism of the film's glorification of Ballard, with some believing that Ballard's organization often exaggerates or fabricates its achievements.
Several women also came forward, accusing Ballard of sexual assault and coaxing them to act as his “wives” during sting operations involving sexual acts.
