Advocates slam anti-prostitution bill

Civil libertarians and a women's advocacy group want lawmakers to reject a bill banning indoor prostitution in Rhode Island because they fear it will hurt victims of human trafficking.

Rhode Island is the only state besides Nevada where indoor prostitution is legal.

The loophole arose in 1980 when Rhode Island lawmakers amended the state's anti-prostitution laws.

Andrea Ritchie, director of the New York-based Sex Workers Project, said Wednesday that victims of human trafficking should not be subject to arrest and prosecution. She said an arrest record can hurt trafficking victims who later seek other work.

Rep. Joanne Giannini, the bill's sponsor, said her legislation gives police the tools to shut down brothels and offers legal protection for sex trafficking victims.

"If we really care about the women who are the victims of prostitution and human trafficking, we need to shut down the industry," Giannini said. "This bill gives the police the tool they need go after the perpetrators, and it provides immunity to the women who are its victims."