Senate Passes Bill Banning Promoting Travel for Sex Tourism

A bill to prohibit Washington state´s travel agencies from promoting travel for sex tourism purposes was approved 47-0 on the Senate floor Feb. 13 and now moves to the House.

The proposal makes it a felony to “promote travel for prostitution” and states that the seller is committing the felony if he or she “knowingly” sells or offers to sell services that include travel for the purpose of prostitution or if they provide or purport to provide access to sex escorts or sexual services.

Sellers of travel were not among participants in a Senate committee hearing on the proposal last month.

The measure has been on a fast track since its introduction in mid-January. To become law during this session, it must pass the House by March 9, when the session ends.