June 24, 2004

Berkeley, city of hookers?

By Thomas Lifson
The November election in Berkeley just got a little more interesting. In addition to the expected tight race between Nader and Kerry for the favor of the city's eccentric voters, a citizen initiative measure will grace the ballot, calling on the police to make arresting prostitutes and their customers a low priority. If it passes, there is every reason to expect that a substantially larger number of the Bay Area's numerous hookers, male and female, will favor the city with their presence, adding yet another layer of edginess to a city already world—renowned for its looniness. I have little doubt that the measure will pass. Offered a chance to thumb their noses at authority, the city's electorate rarely demurs. Incorrectly called 'decriminalization,' even by the San Francisco Chronicle, which should know better, the measure would not repeal any laws against prostitution, which will remain illegal under state law. Instead, the initiative merely calls on the...(Read Full Article)