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Law Would Increase Punishment for ‘Encounters’ with Underage Prostitutes
T
he Oregon State House, concurring to
amendments made in the Senate,
gave final approval for a bill that
would impose strict punishments to people
who purchased sexual services from sellers
who are under the age of 18.
The crime of paying for sex with a minor
would now punishable with a fine of
$10,000 for a first offense and $20,000 for a
second offense once HB 2417 is signed by
the governor. It also separates the crime of
paying for sex and the crime of selling sex.
Previously, the state had no way to track
how many people had been arrested for
being “johns” or for being “prostitutes.”
“Victims of sex trafficking should be
treated like victims, and those who purchase
sex with minors should be treated like the
criminals they are,” said Rep. Carolyn
Tomei. “This bill makes important changes
to make sure Oregon law conforms to that
ric. There are two bills in the legislature that
try to address this issue, although they
would still retain criminal penalties for the
It also separates the crime of paying for sex
and the crime of selling sex. Previously, the
state had no way to track how many
people had been arrested for being ‘johns’
or for being ‘prostitutes’
philosophy.”
Oregon state law still treats those minors
who sell sex as criminals, despite the rheto-
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Page 10 The Portland and Seattle Skanner may 18, 2011
minor sellers of sexual services.
One bill, SB 428, would provide educa-
tion to law enforcement to help them recog-
nize the fact that these children should be
treated as victims. The law would help
direct these minors to appropriate shelters.
If a law enforcement officer wanted to
arrest that child and a district attorney want-
ed to charge that child, this law would do
nothing from preventing them from doing
that.
Another bill would seek grants to develop
specialized housing and rehabilitation facil-
ities for minors who have been arrested for
selling sexual services.
HB 2417 would also eliminate the defense
for a john that he was unaware of the pros-
titute’s age. It also mandates a 7 day jail stay
for second offenses.