The ACLU of RI was in strong support of this legislation which would repeal three discriminatory and outmoded laws that unfairly target sex workers. The first is an indefensible law enacted more than a decade ago that imposes additional court fines specifically and solely on individuals charged with prostitution-related offenses. As the legislation itself notes, this particular statute is very rarely used and, when enforced, is likely to have a discriminatory impact not just on women, but on communities of color and transgender people. The third piece of legislation repeals a current state law that explicitly singles out individuals convicted for sex work offenses for mandatory HIV testing. We supported the repeal of this statute which is discriminatory towards both sex workers and individuals with HIV.
HIV Testing Repeal: H 5348
Prostitution Offender Costs: H 5357
Sex Worker Immunity: H 5358
