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Governor Donald Carcieri has signed a bill making indoor prostitution illegal in the state. The law closes a 30 year loophole in the legal system.
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RI Gov signs bill banning prostitution
Bill closes 30-year loophole in the legal system
Updated: Tuesday, 03 Nov 2009, 5:59 PM EST
Published : Tuesday, 03 Nov 2009, 1:47 PM EST
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri has signed a bill into law banning indoor prostitution in the state.
A 30-year loophole in the law previously banned prostitution outdoors, but allows it inside. The bill now makes solicitation a misdemeanor offense, regardless of where it occurs. Prostitutes could face a maximum six-month prison sentence for a first offense, while their customers could face up to a year.
Rhode Island was the only state, besides parts of Nevada that allowed indoor prostitution. In 1980, the General Assembly passed a law cracking down on outdoor solicitation that was silent on paid sex indoors.
There are an estimated two dozen suspected brothels across the state.
Copyright WPRI 12
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