Repealing Discriminatory Prostitution Laws (S 2225)

The ACLU of RI was in strong support of this legislation which would repeal two 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. The bill would also repeal the state’s “loitering for prostitution” law. 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. This bill passed the Senate, but died in the House.