Prostitution is not illegal in Rhode Island, nor is it regulated. Only street prostitution is prohibited.
This has created a favorable climate for sex related businesses. Massage parlors, strip clubs, and “spas” have proliferated as well as sex trafficking and sex slavery.
Recently, girls under the age of eighteen were discovered dancing in strip clubs in the State and right now according to Rhode Island law, that’s not illegal.
State Rep. Joanne Giannini is currently working on a bill to prohibit minors from working in strip clubs. She blames legalized prostitution for creating the atmosphere where such a thing could happen in the first place.
If Ms. Giannini really wants to change the climate; reduce the number of sex clubs, fight human trafficking and protect girls and boys, I would suggest that she go for the jugular and sponsor a bill that makes paying for sex illegal. Stop the demand! It has worked well elsewhere and I the think Rhode Islanders will appreciate the change in climate.
More info: http://www.stopdemand.org/wawcs016272/ln-home.html
July 25, 2009 at 6:59 am
If anyone really thinks any law will stop the demand for sex, Prostitution, nude dancers, strip clubs they are truly out of touch with reality!
July 25, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Thanks for your comment.
Legislation that makes paying for sex illegal has been in effect in Sweden for a number of years and has been successful in curtailing the sex trade. It works because it increases the risk for the would be customer. Of coure there will always be people willing to take the risk of arrest and exposure, but most people aren’t.
One of the positive effects of Sweden’s legislation is that it is not a destination country for sex trafficking. Now other European countries are in various stages of enacting similar laws.