Rhode Island lawmakers recently approved three bills that will protect women and children by closing a loophole that allowed "indoor prostitution" in the state — essentially a "welcome mat" for sex traffickers. The legislation also extends rights to women and girls who are victims.
"It gives the police the tools to intercede and interview victims, and be able to put them in (touch with) social services," said Rep. Joanne Giannini, D-Providence.
Donna Hughes, co-founder of Rhode Island-based Citizens Against Trafficking, said victims are often arrested, imprisoned and then coerced back into the sex trade.
"We added a provision that says no victim of trafficking can be convicted of a prostitution offense," she said.
The legislation, which the governor is expected to sign, also prohibits minors from working in strip clubs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Read about the connections among pornography, stripping and prostitution.
Learn more about Rhode Island's fight against prostitution and the commercial sex industry.
— Josh Montez
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