It's unfortunate, but it seems like the General Assembly is almost certain to criminalize indoor prostitution.  A few members of the House and Senate will vote no, but it will likely pas overwhelmingly.  It's unfortunate that so many members of the General Assembly seem to either be reluctant to take a stand on an issue they don't perceive to be "safe", and that others seem to lack the capacity to fully consider the issue thoughtfully.  If you need an example, just look at all the people who point out that prostitution is illegal in the other 49 states (with the exception of two counties in Nevada).  Their rationale can be summed up like this: Everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn't I?  That's very thoughtful.

     One of the most troubling aspects of the current bill is the last line which reads, "this act will take effect upon passage".  This is a common sentence that ends many bills, but it is just another troubling aspect of this bill.  If the General Assembly passed a law banning texting, people could immediately stop this behavior without negative repercussions.  That is not true in this case.

     Many of our legislators seem to forget that prostitution is occurring in legal businesses with legal employees.  It's very likely that these businesses and employees will be put out of work in a matter of days.  What happens to a spa owner who has a lease?  What about employees who suddenly find themselves out of a job with heating bills just around the corner?  How many of our representatives and senators even seem to understand that they are putting establishments out of businesses and people out of work?  

     I strongly oppose this bill, but if it is passed, those in the industry should have an opportunity to wind down their operations and find another job.  Of course, many of the women who work at these establishments will probably continue in their current line of work.  They'll just work in a more dangerous environment with the threat of being arrested.