R.I. lawmakers vote to close prostitution loophole
By Ray Henry, Associated Press | October 30, 2009
PROVIDENCE - Under legislation approved yesterday by lawmakers, Rhode Island will close a loophole allowing prostitutes to ply their trade indoors.
The bill, approved late last night, would make prostitution a misdemeanor offense regardless of where it occurs. Prostitutes would face a maximum six-month prison sentence for a first offense, and their customers could face up to a year.
Governor Don Carcieri supports closing the nearly 30-year-old loophole allowing indoor prostitution and is expected to sign the legislation.
Rhode Island and Nevada are the only states that allow indoor prostitution. Rhode Island’s General Assembly, trying to crack down on outdoor solicitations, passed a law in 1980 that was silent on paid sex indoors.
As a result, more than two dozen suspected brothels operate across the state.
“It’s been a black eye for the state for such a long period of time,’’ said Senator Paul Jabour, a Providence Democrat.
The bill’s opponents have warned that criminalizing indoor prostitution will make the lives of drug-addicted or impoverished women harder and possibly make victims of human trafficking more reluctant to seek medical help or legal assistance for fear of being reported.
“It’s difficult to support a law that lumps victims in essentially the same category as offenders,’’ said Laura Pisaturo, director of advocacy and legal services for Day One, which helps victims of sexual abuse. Her organization would support a law that jailed customers but not prostitutes, she said.
Many of the state’s suspected brothels bill themselves as massage parlors, advertising services such as table showers and body rubs. Courts have dismissed charges against prostitutes arrested by police in brothel raids even when they admit offering sex in exchange for cash, because it is not illegal.
Michael Kiselica, a lawyer who has represented brothel owners, said his clients may sue the state if the bill becomes law. He said there will be unintended economic consequences.
“What happens when you suddenly create a large number of unemployed people who the day before were gainfully and lawfully employed?’’ he said. “What consideration did the state give to those people?’’
I bet these guys will still know where to go to get a piece of ass.
Originally Posted by Dick Dawson
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