California Democrats Block Bill to Recriminalize Prostitution Loitering

Advocates say letting police arrest loitering sex workers helps stop human trafficking. Opponents say officers target black and transgender women.

Women stand in the Blade area of Los Angeles on Feb. 8, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Democratic lawmakers in California quashed an attempt on April 2 to recriminalize loitering for prostitution.

Senate Bill 1219, introduced by state Sen. Kelly Seyarto, a Republican, would make impeding traffic and loitering in a public place with the intent to direct or solicit prostitution a crime again.