Maine is set to become the first state to decriminalize prostitution, but only for those who sell sexual services, not for buyers.
Governor Janet Mills has signed the bill into law, which will take effect in October.
Democratic State Representative Lois Reckitt sponsored the bill, stating that punishing women who are exploited in the trade is unfair.
Reckitt estimates that 90% of people working as prostitutes are trafficked into the trade.
However, groups like Decriminalize Sex Work argue that adult consensual sex buyers should also be decriminalized to reduce exploitation and violence.
The current law is described as an “entrapment model” that disregards the autonomy of sex workers.
Reckitt believes that the only way to eliminate the selling and buying of sex is to stop people from buying it.
She supports the actions of the South Portland Police Department in arresting men for solicitation of prostitution.
Another bill sponsored by Reckitt, which will seal criminal records of convictions
for selling sex, has also been signed into law.
This aims to remove barriers for women to find employment and start a new life.
Original story from WABI News