Penal Law (Amendment – Abolishing the Offense of Nuisance by Engaging in Prostitution) Bill

What does the bill do?

The bill seeks to repeal Section 215(c) of the Penal Law (5737-1977), which currently allows a person to be prosecuted for engaging in prostitution under the framework of a nuisance offense. The explanation argues that this provision was proposed as a tool for dealing with street prostitution, but today is not relevant and has a negative effect on the rehabilitation of people surviving prostitution, because prosecution and a criminal mark may make it harder for them to leave and deepen psychological harm. The bill supports the approach guiding the Prohibition on the Purchase of Prostitution Law (5779-2019), which treats those engaged in prostitution as injured parties and victims in need of protection and rehabilitation and not as offenders.