Parts of Chicago would become “prostitution-free zones” under an ordinance introduced by a West Side alderman.
Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) said the ordinance would bar those convicted of prostitution-related offenses from public parks and walkways in the zones. The police superintendent would designate the zones with input from elected officials and community groups.
[...] Ervin, the 36-year-old son of a former Chicago police commander, said he believes the proposed ordinance would pass constitutional muster.He pointed to the city’s anti-gang loitering ban, which prohibits known gang members from congregating in designated hot spots.
The anti-gang prohibition had to be rewritten a number of times and is an unwieldy tool at best, with announcements being made, contact cards, time limits, etc. The intent was to deny the gangs the ability to "stake out" territories by representing on street corners.
The trouble with prostitution is that the whores aren't really establishing territory and performing in full view of the public as the gangsters are. They advertise in public and perform in semi-private. Besides, there are already numerous laws on the books about soliciting rides on the public way, indecent exposure, etc. This would be overkill, not to mention constitutionally questionable by denying people the ability to walk on public streets - the gang hots spots are fixed locations representing territory. A prostitute walking from point A to point B isn't.
Say hi to Claudell for us though Jason.
The trouble with prostitution is that the whores aren't really establishing territory and performing in full view of the public as the gangsters are. They advertise in public and perform in semi-private. Besides, there are already numerous laws on the books about soliciting rides on the public way, indecent exposure, etc. This would be overkill, not to mention constitutionally questionable by denying people the ability to walk on public streets - the gang hots spots are fixed locations representing territory. A prostitute walking from point A to point B isn't.
Say hi to Claudell for us though Jason.