Okay Florida, try this one on for size: Honolulu police officers are urging lawmakers in the state to continue letting them legally have sex with their fine city’s prostitutes, because only when the cops are truly Johns will they know the hooker they’re inside is, in fact, a hooker.
Yes. You read that correctly. The cops currently enjoy a legal loophole allowing them to have scot-free sex with prostitutes, and they do not want it taken away. There’s a Hawaii Six-9 joke somewhere in here, but it’s probably pretty terrible.
Naturally, some in Hawaii have pointed out the ridiculousness of the situation, but it’s ultimately up to state politicians to decide whether the legal protections will remain.
Critics, including human trafficking experts and other police, say it’s unnecessary and can further victimize sex workers, many of whom have been forced into the trade.
It’s not immediately clear how often – or even if – Honolulu police have sex with prostitutes, and authorities assure legislators that internal policies and procedures are in place to prevent that scenario.
But experts say the exemption invites abuse and police can easily do their jobs without it.
The bill goes before a Senate committee today. We need to keep a closer eye on Hawaii, you guys. It’s too far out there.
[H/T: Uproxx]