Bill targets RI massage parlors selling sex

April 8, 2015 11:54 pm

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE – A state representative is looking to crack down on massage parlors and spas in Rhode Island that offer more than back-rubs.

Through the Body Works Bill, Representative Carlos Tobon (D – Pawtucket) is drafting safeguards to eliminate shops where sexual activity goes on behind closed doors. The idea comes from a similar ordinance on illegal massage parlors in Providence.

Under this bill, parlors would have to be licensed specifically for massage work. Also, employees can’t be minors and must follow a dress code. Fines for not following these rules start at $100.

“We don’t want to be known for being the easy place to go for this type of activity, or brothels, or anything of that matter,” explained Tobon.

However, the Rhode Island ACLU disagrees with the proposed bill as it is written. “Passage of a ten-page onerous bill that would infringe on the ability of legitimate business owners to engage in their businesses is very concerning,” Policy Associate Hillary Davis told ABC6 News.

For instance, Davis does not agree that, under the bill, employees would have to undergo national background checks. “That would make it difficult for any individual who has even a long forgotten misdemeanor on their record to get a job,” she said.

Tobon insists the bill’s key provisions are not meant to hurt legitimate businesses but rather weed out the illegal ones. “We don’t want people to go out of business, but this is not the type of business that we want in our state,” he said. “So we want to make sure that we give everybody the benefit of the doubt.”

The bill is being held for further study.