Los Angeles Times

California repeals anti-loitering law that sparked debate over decriminalizing sex work

In April 2020, motor traffic streams past a liquor store on Figueroa Street in South Los Angeles, within an area known for prostitution.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed a controversial bill to repeal a provision of state law that bans loitering for the intent to sell sex — a proposal that deeply divided Democrats in the Legislature and pitted transgender rights activists against advocates to stop human trafficking.

Anti-loitering laws have been contentious nationwide, in part because they are often vague in their definition of what constitutes as loitering, which gives police wide latitude to arrest or disperse individuals. While New York

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times3 min read
Commentary: USC’s ‘Security Risk’ Rationale To Thwart Peaceful Protest Is Not Justified
During Vietnam War protests, the Nixon administration called them “outside agitators.” Now my university’s provost prefers “participants — many of whom do not appear to be affiliated with USC.” Beyond Andrew Guzman’s misdemeanor of wordiness, the pla
Los Angeles Times3 min readAmerican Government
LZ Granderson: Arizona's Indictment Of Trump Allies Follows A Sordid, Racist History
I've lived and/or worked in 10 states scattered across the country. Arizona was and remains the most complicated. The same state that elected the first openly gay mayor of a large U.S. city is also the state that did not want a federal holiday for Ma
Los Angeles Times3 min readInternational Relations
USC Protests Remain Peaceful Saturday Night After Campus Is Closed; LAPD Calls Off Tactical Alert
Tensions rose on the University of Southern California campus Saturday after pro-Palestinian protesters returned with tents and reestablished an encampment in Alumni Park, where 93 people were arrested on Wednesday. They beat drums and put up banners

Related Books & Audiobooks