Bill outlawing indoor prostitution passes R.I. House panel
7:11 PM Thu, Apr 30, 2009 | Permalink
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The House Judiciary Committee Thursday evening approved a bill to criminalize prostitution that occurs indoors. The vote was 8 to 4, with 3 members absent. The amended version of the bill (H-5044 Sub A) approved Wednesday night and introduced by Rep. Joanne M. Giannini, D-Providence, would make prostitution a crime, regardless of where it occurs. Rhode Island is currently the only state, except for certain counties in Nevada, which has no prohibition against indoor prostitution. "Why should Rhode Island have this dubious distinction?" Giannini told news reporters after the vote. "Rape behind closed doors, is that permissible? Is murder permissible if it's done behind closed doors?" The bill includes a provision designed to protect victims of sex-trafficking from being prosecuted by exempting from prosecution women who were "forced" into prostitution. In addition to being threatened, restrained or physically harmed, the bill states that force can include someone whose passport, immigration papers or other identification documents are confiscated, concealed or destroyed. The punishment for someone found guilty of prostitution or of procuring the services of a prostitute, both misdemeanors, would face imprisonment of up to six months, and a fine of $250 to $1,000. For a subsequent offense, they could face up to a year in prison and a fine of $500 to $1,000. The bill will be scheduled for a full vote on the House floor as early as next week, said House spokesman Larry Berman. 
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Who are the four representatives who voted AGAINST this bill?
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In her usual attempt to promote and protect ILLEGAL aliens, is Senate Leader Paiva Weed again going to be allowed to block this Bill from a vote in the Senate?
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Give me a break. Go after the violent criminals and the sex traffickers. I guess indoor prostitution will only be legal if your married.
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I own a business near one of these blights, and I'll be happy to see the cowardly, sneaking little men that patronize them crawl back into the holes they came from.
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Does this mean that the RI Legislature will go out of business as well?
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what in the world does this have to do with indoor paneling??
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