by Guy Page
A bill that opens the door to legalization of prostitution passed the Legislature this month and was signed into law by Gov. Phil Scott.
H18, introduced as a bill to expand and clarify the definition of criminal sex abuse of children, was amended by the Senate to give immunity against prosecution for suspected prostitutes who report crimes to law enforcement: “A person who, in good faith and in a timely manner, reports to law enforcement that the person is a victim of or a witness to a crime that arose from the person’s involvement in prostitution or human trafficking shall not be cited, arrested, or prosecuted” for prostitution and possession of illegal drugs. The House agreed with the amendment April 30. Gov. Scott signed the bill into law on May 17.
The immunity language appears to have been lifted by the Senate from H268, which not only provided immunity but also called for a Sex Work Study Committee “for the purpose of modernizing Vermont’s prostitution laws.” No action has been taken on H268. H268 also concludes that Vermont’s prostitution laws are rooted in racism and 19th fear of black men having sex with white women – a charge that is demonstrably inaccurate.
Categories: Legislation
The state rarely prosecutes “johns” or sex traffickers now, even though those crimes are reported. So let’s see all the “good” this law will bring into VT because sex “workers” can’t be prosecuted. All it will do is bring in MORE prostitutes. GREAT job as always, democRATS!
BTW, does rino Scott veto anything anymore?? Must be looking to run again.
A contrary thought here: The community’s mores deal with a wide array of “how to live together” issues. Perhaps too often, when an issue ignites strong concern, we default to the use of laws, the commonweal’s majority rules power to try manage behavior…force a solution. Sexuality and sexual behavior are frequent arenas for this. Perhaps prostitution is an issue best left at the level of mores. Then re-align the laws more directly toward the community’s concern for the coerciveness, harm, abuse involved.
How long will the State of Vermont last until it completely implodes? It most certainly has begun. Let’s see how this will shape-out for the current Governor, his administration and all those in the House & Senate who are working so hard to destroy the State. What are your thoughts?
Democrats progressives socialists communists led by a Rino.
We need to work hard to get rid of the existing lawless, unprincipled persons holding elected positions in our state and local governments. Our Constitution says it very clearly in Article 18.
Fundamental Principles and Virtues are necessary to preserve Liberty.
Article 18. [Regard to fundamental principles and virtues necessary to preserve liberty]
That frequent recurrence to fundamental principles, and a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, industry, and frugality, are absolutely necessary to preserve the blessings of liberty, and keep government free; the people ought, therefore to pay particular attention to these points, in the choice of officers and representatives, and have a right, in a legal way, to exact a due and constant regard to them, from their legislators and magistrates, in making and executing such laws as are necessary for the good government of the State.
Legalize Prostitution then have the TAX man at the door to COLLECT the STATES SHARE. what’s next? A meter in YOUR bedroom for every time you make WHOOPEE?
Please. Stop giving these lunatics ideas. They very obviously construe enough on their own.
NO JUSTICE-NO PIECE!
Vermont is gaining a reputation for a destination for those seeking prostitution services or employment.
Also, the unintelligent, smarmy jokes here aren’t helping anything. Just costing this forum credibility.