Washington Blade Online – By Joshua Lynsen
Efforts to curb prostitution in the District could lead to increased profiling and arrests of transgender residents, some activists fear.
Part of the proposed Omnibus Public Safety Act of 2005 allows police to establish “Prostitution Free Zones” in public areas. People must have an “apparent lawful reason” to be within the area, or face arrest.
The Alliance for a Safe & Diverse D.C., along with 22 other local and national organizations, have co-signed a letter opposing the act, claiming it “will increase harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens” of the District.
The City Council’s Judiciary Committee is currently reviewing the Omnibus Public Safety Act. Further action on the measure is pending, with no review date set.