N.H. Lawmakers Weigh Decriminalizing Prostitution

N.H. Lawmakers Weigh Decriminalizing Prostitution

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire lawmakers are considering to decriminalize prostitution statewide.

Last week, the state Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee heard House Bill 1614-FN, sponsored by state Reps. Amanda Bouldin (D-Hillsborough), Carole McGuire (R-Merrimack) and Elizabeth Edwards (D-Hillsborough). 

According to language in the New Hampshire bill, the proposed statute “legalizes consensual sex between consenting adults and makes any solicitation of sexual contact involving a person under 18 years of age or through the use of force or intimidation a felony.”

The bill is supported by sex-worker rights groups such as Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics (COYOTE), Rhode Island chapter, the U.S. PROStitutes Collective and ESPLERP.

Last week, COYOTE RI Executive Director Bella Robinson testified before the New Hampshire Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee in favor of the decriminalization bill.

"The main reason I want to see prostitution decriminalized is because it is the only harm reduction model proven to reduce violence and exploitation in the sex industry," she said. "It is crucial that sex workers can work together and share work space to ensure their safety."

“Many sex workers utilize third-party support staff to help keep them safe." But with current laws, these individuals "are legally classified as traffickers." 

"This is groundbreaking," ESPLERP President Maxine Doogan told Reason.com. "The criminalization of prostitution is a failed policy. The 'War on Sex' hasn't stopped anyone from buying or selling sex, but it has caused a lot of collateral damage, to poor women, women of color, and trans women.

“It’s about time that the government stopped intervening in what consenting adults do in private."

Doogan, president of the Erotic Services Providers Providers Legal Education and Research Project, or ESPLER Project, helped lead a challenge over the constitutionality of California’s anti-prostitution laws. That case continues in federal court.

Robinson discusses COYOTE RI’s stance about the bill in this video here.

Pictured: COYOTE RI Executive Director Bella Robinson

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Hankey's Toys Introduces 'Big Pop Mushroom,' 'Xtra-Small Series IV' Dildos

Hankey's Toys has debuted its Big Pop Mushroom dildo and the new Xtra-Small Series IV line of dildos.

Brent Aldon, Erik Vasquez to Co-Host Retail Edition of 2026 XBIZ Honors at Avalon Hollywood

Aneros Director of Sales and Marketing Brent Aldon and Sliquid VP of Marketing Erik Vasquez will co-host the 2026 XBIZ Honors, set for Jan. 11 at Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles.

Kiiroo Introduces New Argenta Stroker

Kiiroo has debuted the new Feel Argenta stroker sleeve from its FeelStar line.

Howl Launches New 'Ambassador' Referral Program

Wellness brand Howl has launched its Ambassador referral sales program.

Womanizer Unveils 'Next Duo' Vibrating Air Pulse Massager

Womanizer has introduced its Next Duo vibrating air pulse massager.

FSC: California's Device-Based AV Law Does Not Apply to Adult

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) put out an advisory today explaining that California's new device-based age verification law does not apply to adult websites.

Orion Debuts 'Double Vibrator' From Couples Choice Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the Double Vibrator from its Couples Choice line.

Orion Debuts 1st Christmas Collection From Cottelli Lingerie Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced the first Christmas Collection from its Cottelli Lingerie line.

Honey Play Box Introduces 'Vibrosa' Egg Vibe

Honey Play Box is debuting its new Vibrosa app-controlled egg vibrator.

ProDx Health Joins The Play as New Testing Partner, Launches 'Play Safe' Kit

ProDx Health has joined lifestyle organization Play LA as its new testing partner and marked the partnership with the launch of its Play Safe kit.

Show More