Christianity Today reports:

Several Christian anti-trafficking organizations are publicly opposing President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for US attorney general, former Republican representative Matt Gaetz of Florida.

Gaetz resigned his congressional seat last week after the nomination announcement, just days before the House Ethics Committee planned to release its investigation into accusations the lawmaker had sex with a minor. He was also investigated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for sex trafficking, though the DOJ did not pursue charges.

If he wins Senate confirmation, Gaetz would lead the main law enforcement agency that prosecutes sex trafficking. The DOJ is in the middle of prosecuting high-profile trafficking cases like that of Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Trump, in his statement announcing Gaetz as his pick for attorney general, said Gaetz would “root out the systemic corruption at DOJ.”

Shared Hope International, a Christian anti-trafficking organization founded by Republican congresswoman Linda Smith in 1998, stated that Gaetz should not be confirmed until the House Ethics Committee could clear him of sex-trafficking allegations.

“The office of attorney general requires the highest ethical conduct and public trust,” said Smith, who serves as CEO. Shared Hope also signed a letter organized by anti-trafficking group World Without Exploitation which will be sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee from dozens of anti-trafficking organizations opposing Gaetz’s confirmation. More groups are still signing onto the letter.

The signers included faith-based anti-trafficking groups like Exodus Cry, Imago Dei Fund, Sacred Beginnings, and The Genesis Project, as well as a cornucopia of others—from more liberal feminist groups like National Organization for Women to a motorcycle group (Ride My Road) that raises money to fight trafficking.

“The nomination of Mr. Gaetz sends a signal to the country and the world that sexual misconduct and exploitation and corrupt behavior will not only go unpunished, but will be rewarded,” the groups wrote. “It is a signal to sex traffickers around the United States to continue exploiting the most vulnerable for their own profit with no consequences.”

The groups also urged senators to block a recess appointment.

“The United States needs an attorney general who stands for justice, ethics, and protection of survivors,” the letter continued. [Continue reading…]