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Image courtesy Jason Cragg
Reader Jason Cragg sent over this capture of a sign placed at 5th and Eye Streets NW, right in the middle of Inauguration Island. You're reading it right: portions of downtown have been declared a "Prostitution Free Zone" for the Inaugural celebration period. The best part? It has an expiration date, as though at all other times, hookers have free reign over downtown Washington -- hey, at least the MPD is honest.
Truth be told, this isn't the first time the MPD has declared a PFZ. You can read about how the law works here, but the basic idea is that it allows police officers to issue fines of $300 to a group of two or more persons found congregating in a public space or property within the PFZ for the purpose of engaging in prostitution or prostitution-related offenses. Still, these signs are sure to look mighty funny to most people walking through the area on their way to the Inauguration on Tuesday.
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But, by that wording, so many lobbyist and lawmakers won't be able to attend the parade!
If you know your DC history. This is where the term Hooker came from. Look it up.
but what about all the money it would add to the local economy?
Isn't prostitution illegal in DC in the first place? This seems kind of redundant.
Also, I feel that in the name of fairness, there should be a "Free Prostitution Zone." Or would this classify as a double-negative?
Aww man! And I was hoping to make a little extra money this week. Guess it'll have to wait 'til we're not in a "Prostitution Free Zone".
is that the tranny hooker block?
Yes, this is the tranny hooker block. Most activity is a bit further to the northeast on the other side of the block--this part is too visible. There's usually a cop stationed at the old INS headquarters within visible range of the activity, so that clearly wasn't a deterrent--for the prostitution or the drug dealing on 5th street outside of Louis' Rouge bar.
And now we're famous, on the Drudge Report! Proud to live at 5th and I!
Dammit! I was gonna go to the Inauguration for a good time, but I guess I'll have to stick to the seedy neighborhoods in NE. Oh well.
"Free Prostitution Zones" are still welcome, as long as carried out in private parts of the city. Yes We Can!!!
So what's the penalty for hooking when the PFZ isn't in effect? $50 fine? A free ride in the back seat of a police car without going to the station (if you get my meaning)? A cookie?
Oh wait, now I remember, the penalty for hooking is dozens of STD's and the ire of the general citizenry despite an overwhelming public opinion that it should be legal.
Which part of town are the whores free in? Is this their way to celebrate the inaugural by giving some away?
Don't ask. Don't tell. What's that smell.
Money talks. BS walks. Are U a cop?
the big difference with the "prostitution free zones" is the increased penalties for loitering and increased police presence. As for "is that the tranny hooker block?" where in that vicinity ISN'T a tranny hooker block?
Bummer. Er, don't tell that to the lobbyists...
I can't help but notice the conspicuous absence of any reference to pimps, playas, mack daddies, or daddy macks.
you know where to find me, bitches.
Thanks for screwing up my inaugural celebration. Damn you, Lanier!!!!
D.C.'s GNP will plummet.
Po workin' sistas can't get a break. Don't they know brutha Obama will bring lots of bidness into D.C.?
Especially with every Democrat constituent clamoring for elbow room just to get a glimpse of jesuschristobamessaiah.
this isn't new. that whole area has been declared a prostitution free zone for months. these signs started hanging at 5th and k nw months ago when the "sexy safeway" opened up.
obviously those signs didn't work because they found a new spot 2 blocks away.
They should put these up around K Street so the lawyers and lobbyists get the message...