T he ballot question technically would not legalize prostitution since state law still prohibits it, but the measure would eliminate the power of local law enforcement officials to go after prostitutes. Even in tolerant San Francisco — where the sadomasochism fair draws more than , tourists and a pornographic video company is housed in a former armory — the measure faces an uphill battle, with much of the political establishment opposing it. Some form of prostitution is already legal in two states.
Brothels are allowed in rural counties in Nevada. And Rhode Island permits the sale of sex behind closed doors between consulting adults, but it prohibits street prostitution and brothels. In , almost two-thirds of voters in nearby Berkeley rejected decriminalization. But proponents of Proposition K say their proposal has a better shot in San Francisco, which they believe is more sexually liberal than the city across the bay.
After all, the world's oldest profession has long been established here. During the Gold Rush, the neighborhood closest to the piers was a seedy pleasure center of sex, gambling and drinking known as the Barbary Coast.
These days, on certain corners, prostitutes sell their bodies day and night, ducking into doorways and alleys when police pass by. One recent afternoon in the Mission District, six prostitutes were plying their trade on a single block. Police made 1, prostitution arrests in and expect to make a similar number this year. But the district attorney's office says most defendants are fined, placed in diversion programs or both.
Fewer than 5 percent get prosecuted for solicitation, which is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail. Proposition K has been endorsed by the local Democratic Party. But the mayor, district attorney, police department and much of the business community oppose the idea, contending it would increase street prostitution, allow pimps the run of neighborhoods and hamper the fight against sex trafficking, which would remain illegal because it involves forcing people into the sex trade.
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