The Rhode Island Senate heard testimony on a bill (S-5496) which would criminalize indoor prostitution.  Among those who testified were employees of some of the brothels/spas who would be put out of business if the legislation is passed.  The women testified that they work there voluntarily, they're not coerced, and no one else is being coerced.  That would seem to pretty much kill the argument that the bill is in response to fears of human trafficking. 

     Since the state already has human trafficking laws on the books, then why is it attempting to criminalize activity that occurs behind closed doors between consenting adults?  The biggest reason is that many of our legislators aren't thinking clearly.  Many supporters state that every other state has laws against prostitution.  What they fail to mention is that every other state still has prostitution.  Criminalizing a behavior doesn't necessarily stop the behavior.  What it will do is decentralize it (by encouraging streetwalkers), and arrest individuals taking part in this victimless "crime." 

     I've written frequently in the past about this topic, and I feel strongly that our current law strikes the perfect balance between respecting individual rights and keeping prostitution off the streets.  Of course, we have many narrow minded legislators who don't understand this, or just want to grandstand on a high-profile issue.