Lawmakers may finalize indoor prostitution ban

PROVIDENCE—Legislation banning indoor prostitution in Rhode Island may soon be heading to Gov. Don Carcieri’s desk.

Rhode Island is the only state besides parts of Nevada that permits paid sex in private because of a nearly 30-year-old legal loophole.

Senate lawmakers were expected to vote Thursday on legislation making indoor prostitution a misdemeanor crime regardless of where it happens. Prostitutes could be punished by up to six months in prison for a first offense, while their customers would face a year.

Sen. Paul Jabour, a bill sponsor, said the loophole has been a “black eye” for Rhode Island for years.

The bill’s critics have argued criminalizing prostitution will only drive sex workers deeper underground and put them in more danger.