Louisiana likely won't legalize prostitution any time soon, but could a bill to protect sex workers from being prosecuted when they report crimes find a compromise? Some lawmakers may be sympathetic.
The bill by Rep. Mandie Landry (D-New Orleans) bill to decriminalize prostitution drew opposition from organizations that help sex trafficking victims, like Covenant House in New Orleans. Rheneisha Robertson with Covenant House says they are willing to support a different bill.
"Where there is opportunity for coercion (into sex trafficking) is where we're most concerned," said Robertson. Robertson says a more narrowly-focused bill to protect victims could get their backing.
"And find ways to support those survivors who often may be engaged in sex work," she said.
So Landry agreed to defer her bill, and have a legislative study group look at the issue.
"The legislature often sets up study groups or task forces that sort of look at an issue," she explained. "For example, last year with qualified immunity, they set up a task force after that bill died in committee, comprised of law enforcement and advocates, and then we passed a qualified immunity bill this week."
And a bill to protect victims from prosecution in some sex work-related crimes could find more support in the future.
