South Carolina Senate proposes stricter penalties for prostitution purchases aligned with North Carolina

South Carolina lawmakers are taking significant steps to align the state's prostitution laws with those of North Carolina, aiming to enhance penalties for individuals who purchase sexual services. During a Senate meeting on March 20, 2025, discussions centered around Senate Bill 235, which proposes an amendment to adjust the legal framework governing prostitution in South Carolina.

Currently, South Carolina imposes harsher penalties on individuals engaged in prostitution compared to those who procure such services. The proposed amendment seeks to reverse this trend by increasing penalties for buyers while providing more lenient treatment for those coerced into prostitution. The goal is to target the demand side of the sex trade, addressing the issue of individuals who are often forced into these situations.

Senators highlighted alarming statistics indicating that over 15,000 individuals in the Rock Hill York area and more than 7,000 in the Greenville Spartanburg area are already involved in prostitution, a number expected to rise following North Carolina's legislative changes. The amendment aims to implement a graduated penalty system, where first and second offenses for buyers would result in misdemeanors, with felony charges only applied after a third offense.

Additionally, the amendment includes provisions for affirmative defenses for those engaged in prostitution under duress or as minors, ensuring that vulnerable individuals are not disproportionately punished. This approach reflects a shift towards a more compassionate and effective strategy in combating human trafficking and exploitation.

As the Senate moves forward with this amendment, the implications for South Carolina's legal landscape and its efforts to protect vulnerable populations are significant. The proposed changes are expected to foster a more equitable legal environment while addressing the pressing issue of human trafficking in the state.