Sex Sells? Not Near New York City Schools

State Sen. Toby-Ann Stavisky, D-Whitestone, is heralding legislation to shield schoolchildren from sex crimes in the state of New York.

This week, the state passed Senate bill 1313A, which creates new crimes — and increases existing punishment — for being arrested in connection with prostitution within 1,000 feet of any school.

Stavisky said that the law, which was inspired by a recent New York Times article headlined “A Bronx Elementary School, Surrounded by Prostitutes,” would help across the city, including at schools in her district.

“This bill goes considerably further than current law so that law enforcement may effectively prevent and punish prostitution crimes,” she said. “The penalties for those who exploit women and force victims into prostitution are much harsher. This is an unfortunate but necessary precaution to protect our children and ensure their educational environment is safe and secure.”

In the announcement of the legislation, Stavisky said that she had seen three prostitutes dropped off near a school in Flushing in the 109 Precinct, and that one had been arrested later that same day.

The law makes promoting or controlling prostitution within 1,000 feet of a school a class C felony, while prostituting ones’ self or soliciting a prostitute in that same 1,000 foot radius is a class E felony.