Bill would add pimps to sexual offender registry

3-2-2012 Tennessee:

Pimps would join child molesters and rapists on Tennessee’s sexual offender registries under a bill moving through the state legislature.

The House of Representatives voted 89-0 to pass House Bill 2853, which makes people convicted of promoting prostitution add their names to the sex offender lists. First offenders would see their names on the list for 10 years; second offenders would be there for life.

Despite the unanimous vote, the bill drew quite a bit of discussion, as lawmakers questioned exactly what is meant by “promoting” prostitution. State Rep. Debra Maggart, R-Hendersonville, insisted it would be applied only to pimps, but legislators asked whether it might also be used on prostitutes who “self-promote” (via an online ad, maybe) or people who run escort services.

State Rep. Antonio Parkinson, D-Memphis, offered the oddly specific example of a dance troop manager who has a showgirl who prostitutes herself.

State Rep. Mike Kernell, D-Memphis, also offered a philosophical objection against the bill, which describes pimping as a violent crime.

“I have a problem listing it when it’s not violent with thing that are violent,” he said. “I think the public has a right to know who they are,” Maggart replied.

Supporters argued that the law will stop exploitation of women. State Rep. Jim Gotto, R-Hermitage, complained it ought to be extended to johns who solicit prostitutes.

The issue goes over to the Senate, where it is yet to be heard in committee. ..Source.. by Chas Sisk