Tougher prositution law on the way

Legislators are now working on the amended version of the anti-prostitution law, seen to mete out sex workers and pimps with tighter penalties that may include longer jail term and deportation for non-Americans.

House Committee on Health and Welfare Chair Malua Peter said work is now underway for the incorporation of proposals submitted by the Department of Public Safety to the amended version of the law.

Ms. Peter said she hopes to introduce the proposed measure in the next session of the House of Representatives to complement efforts by the Administration against continued operation of the sex trade in the CNMI.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio last week formed a special task force designated to fight prostitution and other crimes perpetrated against tourists especially in the busy Western Garapan district.

The task force stormed the area over the weekend and ordered some establishments closed on grounds that they operate without government permits and licenses.

According to Ms. Peter, discussions are also underway on proposals made by Police Commissioner Charles W. Ingram Jr. to deport any non US-citizen found guilty of the first prostitution offense, even if it is categorized as merely misdemeanor.

In his letter to the Legislature, Mr. Ingram also suggested that any person arrested for a prostitution-related offense be required to undergo HIV testing as a condition precedent to the ussuance of bond for the offense.

The police commissioner also said authorizing law enforcement officers to impound the vehicle of any individual found engaged in prostitution would be helpful.

He wants the amended version of the local anti-prostitution law patterned after the Municipal Code of the City of Tacoma in Washington, which makes it unlawful to either commit or request, or even agree to commit any sexual act with any person for a fee.

DPS wants these things be considered in the amended law as prohibited acts of prostitution:

• to secure or offer to secure another for the purpose of committing any such act;

• to loiter in or near any thoroughfare or place open to the public in a manner and under circumstances manifesting the purpose of inducing, enticing, soliciting or procuring another to commit an act of prostitution;

• to knowingly transport anyone to any place where he or she may commit of for the purpose of committing such act;

• to knowingly receive, offer or agree to receive anyone into any place or building for the purpose of performing any such act, or to knowingly permit anyone to remain there for any such purpose;

• to direct anyone to any place for the purpose of commiting any such act; or

• to aid, abet or participate in the doing of any such act.
Mr. Ingram also offered ways to determine whether someone is guilty of patronizing a prostitute. This, he added, would discourage people from going out with sex workers and eventually minimize, if not completely eliminate, prostitution from the islands.