Providence Mayor David Cicilline has proposed an ordinance which would address indoor prostitution in the city.  If passed, those arrested for prostitution would face fines of up to $500 and 30 days in jail.  In my opinion, it's just David Cicilline's way of making it look like he's doing something, while deflecting attention from the city's pitiful financial situation.

     I have taken the opportunity to send an e-mail to my Councilman.  The full e-mail is below:



Dear John,

     I've been following the prostitution debate very closely.  In light of the ordinance being proposed by David Cicilline, I would like to know where you stand on the issue.

     Before you vote on this ordinance, I would like to bring a few points to your attention:

- The Mayor wants to stop prostitution, but we all know that is impossible.  Prostitution is illegal in 48 states, yet it still occurs in all of them.

- If an activity is legal indoors and illegal outdoors, why would people want to engage in that activity outdoors?  If indoor prostitution is made illegal, we will see prostitution move outside.  Instead of happening behind closed doors, it will occur in front of the local church or elementary school.

- Opponents of the current law have tried to make it seem that those who engage in prostitution are being trafficked.  This is nonsense.  For the vast majority of women, this is a choice and there is no coercion.  If there is evidence of trafficking, there are laws on the books to address the problem.

- The recent case of a 16 year old working in a strip club has brought a focus on children.  I would like to mention that Rhode Island already has a law on the books against those under 18 engaging in prostitution.  Those who engage in prostitution with a minor face up to 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.  This law applies whether the crime occurs indoors or outdoors.

- There has been talk of helping the "victims" (prostitutes) by making indoor prostitution illegal.  Under the Mayor's plan, prostitutes would be given $500 fines and up to 30 days in prison.  I don't see how imprisonment and taking money from people helps them.

- Several countries around the world have already legalized prostitution, and as far as I can tell, there hasn't been any negative impact on the communities.  Since prostitution has always existed anyways, this isn't surprising.  The only difference is that people aren't getting arrested.

     I know that most people reflexively believe that prostitution should always be illegal.  I'm asking you to consider the points I made and vote with an open mind.

Damien Baldino

RIRepublican.com