SPRINGFIELD, Ill., March 10 (UPI) -- A former pimp who made a fortune exploiting women in the Chicago sex trade for 25 years told Illinois lawmakers prostitutes should be able to sue pimps.
Using the fake name Homer X, the ex-pimp who now works at a suburban counseling center, testified before the House Judiciary Committee detailing how he used abusive and violent tactics to recruit and maintain women as hookers.
The committee unanimously approved the proposed Predator Accountability Act and sent the measure for debate on the House floor.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Constance Howard, D-Chicago, and state Sen. Iris Martinez, D-Chicago, would allow prostitutes to file civil claims against anyone who coerced them into prostitution or forced them to remain in the illegal world against their will.
"They don't look at us as human beings, you're out there, and you get what you deserve is their attitude," said Olivia Howard, a former prostitute for 19 years. "And they keep you on the streets through threats of violence and constant beatings and feed your drug habit so they can continually use you."
