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Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dallas Police Pause Enforcement Of Anti-Prostitution Ordinance
The Dallas Police Department has paused enforcement of an anti-prostitution ordinance after a city court ruled it unconstitutional. The department has 'instructed officers to temporarily pause enforcement' of the Dallas City Code against 'manifesting the purpose of engaging in prostitution,' said Corbin Rubinson, Dallas Police senior public information officer, in an email to The Dallas Express. He said officials based this decision on a 'recent ruling' from the City of Dallas Municipal Court. 'The Department remains committed to enforcing all laws, and this ruling does not restrict officers from other methods of investigating and enforcing prostitution and trafficking crimes in the City of Dallas,' Rubinson said. Two municipal court trials for 'manifesting the purpose of engaging in prostitution' were dismissed, as WFAA reported. According to The Dallas Morning News, the ruling found the law's language unconstitutionally vague and broad. The local law in question bans conduct that 'manifests the purpose and intent of inducing, enticing, soliciting, or procuring another to commit an act of prostitution' in public. Prostitution is also illegal at the state level, and trafficking is illegal at the federal level. The law sets forth specific factors for determining a violation. A person must be a 'known prostitute or panderer' or be in a 'location frequented by persons who engage in prostitution or solicitation. The suspect must also be 'repeatedly' beckoning, attempting to stop, or engaging passersby, or trying to stop passing cars with a 'bodily gesture,' or interfering with 'free passage.' The law also bars officers from arresting suspects for violations unless they give an 'opportunity to explain the person's conduct,' and they have an 'affirmative defense' if they provide a 'lawful purpose' for their behavior. In 2023, a Dallas County judge ruled the law unconstitutional and 'trespasses on the constitutional rights of Dallas citizens,' as The Dallas Express reported at the time. This decision followed complaints that the statute was overly broad. That year, Dallas police also stopped enforcing the statute. Dallas saw sex trafficking and prostitution spike in 2024, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. The city is home to hundreds of 'escort sites,' illicit massage businesses, and brothels. Earlier this year, near Harry Hines Blvd., a 13-year-old girl was forced into prostitution.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Recuse Or Represent? Kitner's Ties Test Voter Trust In Dallas City Council D11 Runoff
As the Dallas City Council District 11 runoff election peaks, voters are scrutinizing the candidates' backgrounds and potential conflicts of interest. Bill Roth, a commercial realtor, positions himself as a dedicated advocate for taxpayers for Texans, while his opponent, Jeff Kitner, faces a bigger set of questions regarding his dual roles and affiliations around the DFW area, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Many of those conflicts of interest are now raising local eyebrows. Kitner serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, a prominent lobbying organization representing a collection of 'business' interests, including developers and corporate contractors. If elected, Kitner has indicated plans to continue part-time employment with the Chamber, according to previous reports, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest if he wins the election. Dallas City Code Chapter 12A mandates that officials disclose and recuse themselves from matters where conflicts exist, potentially limiting Kitner's participation in key council decisions affecting District 11 – The very district he wants to represent. Some critics could argue that Kitner's ongoing ties to the Chamber could compromise his ability to impartially represent citizens in his area, especially when council votes intersect with Chamber members' interests. Steve Nordseth, treasurer of the Save Pepper Square Neighborhood Association, previously told DX, 'It's like applying for a job to be a referee while staying on as a coach of one of the competing teams.' In contrast, Roth emphasizes his commitment to serving District 11 without outside connections that might block his council responsibilities or cause any recusals. He is also currently campaigning for transparent governance and prioritizing the needs of local residents over external business interests. Practically every important decision, from zoning and development to infrastructure projects and city contracts, affects the interests of Chamber members in Kitner's district. And each time Kitner would have to recuse himself from those discussions, District 11's voice would be absent, as Nordseth previously pointed out to DX. The runoff election is scheduled for June 7. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the debate over potential conflicts of interest remains a pivotal issue in the race. 'Serving as a Dallas City Councilmember can sometimes blur the lines between full-time and all the time,' said current councilmember Cara Mendelsohn in April. Blur the lines, indeed. As of the time of publication, Kitner's team has not responded to multiple requests for comment on his campaign or any conflict of interests connected to serving District 11.
