Many Rhode Islanders don't know it, but prostitution is legal in the State and it has been for quite some time.  Prostitution is legal as long as it takes place indoors.  Streetwalking is still illegal, and prostitutes and customers can still be charged with a misdemeanor.  There is currently a bill (H 5044) sponsored by representatives Giannini, Coderre, Melo, Gemma, and Fellela to close the loophole and make prostitution illegal both indoors and outdoors.

     Supporters of this legislation say it needs to be passed to stop human trafficking, yet there are already federal laws on the books to address this particular crime.  In other instances, I've heard people defend the legislation by pointing out the health problems associated with promiscuity.  They're correct, but they miss one important point: The bill wouldn't make promiscuity illegal, it would only make payment for sex indoors illegal.  Promiscuous behavior, and associated health risks will continue, and you can be certain that prostitution will continue.  It isn't called the world's oldest profession for nothing.

     After thinking about it, I also noticed something else: I don't recall  reading about prostitution stings lately.  I certainly could have missed the stories in the paper, but I wasn't missing them a few years ago.  Could it be that there are fewer prostitutes walking the streets and fewer customers looking for them?  After all, why would you chance being arrested, serving time in jail, paying a fine, and being humiliated by having your name in the paper when you could engage in the same behavior indoors without legal repercussions?  The current law, and increased knowledge of the law, may actually take prostitutes and customers off the street.

     So, what will this bill accomplish if it is passed?  We will be able to arrest more prostitutes and customers.  Rather than patrolling neighborhoods trying to keep it safe, the police can arrest prostitutes and customers who are back on the street.  Instead of focusing on dangerous felons, the police can dress one of their female vice officers in a mini skirt and have 5 other officers stand in the shadows waiting for a man to offer money.  If you look at it objectively, I don't see how we would be better off by making indoor prostitution illegal.


Edward Fitzpatrick's Column - 1-15-09
http://www.projo.com/news/efitzpatrick/edward_fitzpatrick_0115_01-15-09_6PCUPKJ_v18.3d14931.html

House Bill H 5044
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/billtext09/housetext09/h5044.htm