Prostitution
Prostitution is a crime in Portland.
A person commits the crime of prostitution if: (1) the person engages in or offers or agrees to engage in sexual conduct or sexual contact in return for a fee; or (2) the person pays or offers or agrees to pay a fee to engage in sexual conduct or sexual contact.
Under the code of the City of Portland, it is unlawful for any person to engage in any "prostitution procurement activity" with an intent to induce, entice, solicit, procure, locate, or contact another person to commit an act of prostitution. "Prostitution procurement activity" means any conduct by any person that constitutes a substantial step in furtherance of an act of prostitution. Such activity includes, but is not limited to, lingering in or near any street or public place, repeatedly circling an area in a motor vehicle, or repeatedly beckoning to, contacting, or attempting to stop pedestrians or motor vehicle operators.
UPPA is only a crime in the City of Portland as it is a violation of Portland's city code and not state statute.[1]
History
Designated prostitution-free zones (PFZ) in Portland went into effect in April 2007. These zones were established due to elevated documented activity, compared to surrounding areas of the city.[1]
Resources
The Council for Prostitution Alternatives and the Sex Worker Outreach Coalition are two Portland-based organizations that are working to help sex workers.