Changes address stakeholder feedback and create tools to support victims

Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5) on Friday announced that she is introducing a package of amendments to modify her legislation to address commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). The legislation includes a prohibition on loitering for buying, selling or promoting prostitution, as well as a separate provision that allows a judge to issue a Stay Out of Area Prostitution (SOAP) order.

The amendment package seeks to address several concerns from stakeholders. Proposed changes include limiting potential SOAP orders to buyers and promoters (by removing sellers), requiring development of training for police officers on best practices in consultation with survivor groups, and creating arrest policies that explicitly state diversion and referral to services are the preferred approach for prostitution loitering.  

“It’s critical that we work together to make my proposed commercial sexual exploitation legislation as effective as possible,” said Councilmember Moore. “Since I announced the bill back in August, I’ve made a concerted effort to listen to my constituents so we could potentially adjust the legislation to make it better. I believe this package of amendments I’m offering today does that and I strongly urge my colleagues to support the changes. It’s critical that we give our police officers the appropriate tools to address this crisis. The fact that any neighborhood in our community would have to endure this level of violence associated with rampant sexual exploitation, is unacceptable.”

Background

Councilmember Moore proposed the CSE legislation after a loud outcry from Aurora Avenue North neighborhoods. The area has seen a dramatic increase in visible commercial sexual exploitation, escalating reported gunfire and general violence associated with it.

The CSE legislation received its first public hearing during the Aug. 13, Public Safety meeting. At that meeting, Councilmember Moore gave a presentation documenting the critical public safety issues, including gun violence, happening on Aurora Avenue connected with commercial sexual exploitation.

Next Steps

CSE is slated to have another public hearing at the upcoming Sept. 10 Public Safety Committee Meeting. If passed out of committee the legislation could be voted on by the full council as early as Sept. 17.

Additional background information, including the full text of the proposed amendments, is available in the council packet materials.

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