Despite opposition, Seattle advocates for legislation aimed at pimps and johns in a prostitution-heavy region.

The Seattle City Council's Public Safety Committee has approved a plan to make loitering a misdemeanor for prostitution as the city tries to combat sex trafficking, violence, and drug dealing, despite significant opposition from the public.

The ongoing debate over public safety in Seattle's metro area centers on Aurora Avenue, where prostitution, violence, and drug deals are prevalent.

Seattle city leaders are considering reinstating a law that makes prostitution loitering a misdemeanor, which was removed in 2020, to control a problematic area.

During a Public Safety Committee meeting last month, a video was presented showing several women being trafficked and sold on Aurora Avenue from midnight to 1 a.m.

Multiple gunfights were depicted in the video, with prostitutes on the corner attempting to attract customers.

Cathy Moore, a Seattle City Councilmember, is introducing legislation to regulate arrests related to prostitution and loitering, and to establish "Stay Out of Areas of Prostitution" (SOAP) zones that could lead to charges if violated.

Moore stated that the legislation aims to disrupt the criminal enterprise of the commercial sex trade by targeting buyers (johns) and promoters (pimps) through enforcement efforts. Additionally, the legislation prioritizes diverting resources to social services, safe houses, and treatment for sellers, primarily women and girls, Moore emphasized.

An "open-air drug market" and a dangerous area with frequent violence have been described by supporters as the reality of Aurora, according to station reports.

"During the City Council's Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, a resident from 102nd Street testified, "My city feels like a war zone, and when I go home, it's the most dehumanizing experience I've ever had.""

Over 100 speakers, including the resident, signed up to speak at the beginning of the meeting.

Critics strongly opposed Moore's proposal, arguing that the ordinance unfairly targets sex workers and does not address the root causes of gun violence and crime.

"Despite broad opposition to the bill, Councilmember Moore continues to push it forward and defend racially profiling and arresting her most vulnerable constituents."

Bingo, a woman who appeared before the committee with animal ears and a choker, stated that she is a sex worker and performer in one of the city's districts. She expressed opposition to the ordinance, stating that she relies on clients and gig work to pay her bills. Additionally, she warned that passing the bill could harm her and her friends, as it would eliminate the money and services they rely on.

The proposed SOAP zones along Aurora Avenue would criminalize loitering for the purpose of prostitution.

"Open-air drug markets" in downtown Seattle and Chinatown would be targeted by "Stay Out of Drug Area" (SODA) zones, according to the station's report.

Bob Kettle, the Public Safety Committee chair, stated that the neighborhoods are suffering and drug dealers exploit vulnerable individuals during a crisis.

The committee heard from several individuals who preferred services over the reinstatement of SOAP zones.

For the first time, the bill includes a diversion option that allows officers to engage with sex workers and discuss the possibility of providing them with assistance and professional services.

In Seattle, prostitution is illegal, yet many individuals are unaware of this law, as stated by Moore.

Testimony from sex workers is crucial in proving a case of promoting prostitution, but it also increases the risk and difficulty in proving the case.

Moore's legislation mandates the Human Services Department and mayor's office to establish a work program aimed at erasing prostitution-related convictions from the records of individuals seeking employment or housing.