New Prostitution (John's) Law to take affect October 1, 2015

[Heidi the Housewife aka The Maui Muse]

  Prostitution: HB 465 Increase penalties for people who hire prostitutes. A first offense would go from a second-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree misdemeanor. A second offense would be a third-degree felony and a third offense a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.   

 

 http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2015/0465 

 Please be mindful, do your research

The problem with the statute is it is written poorly, and appears so broad it could be read to include simple solicitation.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 30, 2015 by Heidi the Housewife aka The Maui Muse

[nairobi09]

Yes, it sure does look that way.  In fact solicitation seems to be the focus of the bill.  Does anyone really think human trafficking and solicitation are always linked?  Wow.

[Bit Banger]

4 hours ago, nairobi09 said:

Yes, it sure does look that way.  In fact solicitation seems to be the focus of the bill.  Does anyone really think human trafficking and solicitation are always linked?  Wow.

Of course they're linked. 

If you can't eliminate the supply chain, then reduce the demand. At least that's their theory. It also ties in with the current view that all ASPs are victims, coerced into service by their customers. 

[nairobi09]

Sorry.  What I was trying to say was that not all (or even most) escorts or prostitutes are trafficked yet THAT is what seems to be stated.  Reducing the demand instead of the supply logically does not work since the number of customers is a multiple of the number of escorts; it is the penalty imposed on a busted customer that is the key; the threat of loss of job and reputation.   Apparently our society is still big on shaming people.  Argh

[Bit Banger]

Oh, I agree that prostitution does not automatically imply trafficking.  I suspect that a small percentage of prostitutes are trafficking victims in today's world of online advertising and independent providers.  It's also well known that sex work is a small portion of human trafficking as a whole.  Most end up being forced to labor in other areas of industry.  I recall a reporter doing a piece recently on slavery in nail salons.

Where we part ways is that if you scare enough potential customers, demand will be diminished, creating a glut on the supply side, depressing the market, thus making trafficking a less profitable endeavor.  Yes, they achieve this by shaming the customers, threatening their reputation, livelihood, and families.

I echo your "Argh!"

Edited December 17, 2015 by Bit Banger

[Guest]

Wow this is terrible. Im glad our family sold our property in Florida. 

[Guest]

I am afraid its going to get worse. Since the world's oldest profession will always be with us, a better way is to legalize it and let government profit from the taxes. No one accuse brothels of trafficking in places where prostitution is legal. Nevada isn't about to shut down its brothel industry.

Maybe we need a campaign, starting in Colorado to make prostitution legal and taxed. Think of the additional tourism. [Snip} and get laid!