11/03/09

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri has
signed legislation closing a loophole that made indoor prostitution
legal and allowed more than 30 suspected brothels to operate around
the state.

The bills signed Tuesday end Rhode Island's status as the only
state that allowed indoor prostitution statewide. The practice is
legal in parts of Nevada. The new law took effect immediately.

Carcieri praised the new law as a step forward and said it ended
Rhode Island's ``terrible'' distinction.

Rhode Island lawmakers inadvertently created the loophole in
1980 when they passed a law cracking down on prostitutes and their
customers who operated in public. But it was silent on paid sex in
private.


(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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