Oregon Prostitution Laws

Is prostitution legal in Oregon?

Oregon prostitution laws are currently in committee and may be receiving a full overhaul. The new laws will decriminalize both sale and purchase as well as solicitation and promotion. Compelling prostitution will remain on the books.

Oregon Prostitution Laws


 

Prostitution Laws of Oregon

  • 167.002: Definitions for ORS 167.002 to 167.027
  • 167.007: Prostitution
  • 167.012: Promoting prostitution
  • 167.017: Compelling prostitution
  • 167.027: Evidence required to show place of prostitution

 

167.002: Definitions for ORS 167.002 to 167.027

As used in ORS 167.002 to 167.027, unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) "Place of prostitution" means any place where prostitution is practiced.

(2) "Prostitute" means a male or female person who engages in sexual conduct or sexual contact for a fee.

(3) "Prostitution enterprise" means an arrangement whereby two or more prostitutes are organized to conduct prostitution activities.

(4) "Sexual conduct" means sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse.

(5) "Sexual contact" means any touching of the sexual organs or other intimate parts of a person not married to the actor for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of either party.

167.007: Prostitution

(1) A person commits the crime of prostitution if:

(a) The person engages in or offers or agrees to engage in sexual conduct or sexual contact in return for a fee; or

(b) The person pays or offers or agrees to pay a fee to engage in sexual conduct or sexual contact.

(2) Prostitution is a Class A misdemeanor.

167.012: Promoting prostitution

(1) A person commits the crime of promoting prostitution if, with intent to promote prostitution, the person knowingly:

(a) Owns, controls, manages, supervises or otherwise maintains a place of prostitution or a prostitution enterprise; or

(b) Induces or causes a person to engage in prostitution or to remain in a place of prostitution; or

(c) Receives or agrees to receive money or other property, other than as a prostitute being compensated for personally rendered prostitution services, pursuant to an agreement or understanding that the money or other property is derived from a prostitution activity; or

(d) Engages in any conduct that institutes, aids or facilitates an act or enterprise of prostitution.

(2) Promoting prostitution is a Class C felony.

167.017: Compelling prostitution

(1) A person commits the crime of compelling prostitution if the person knowingly:

(a) Uses force or intimidation to compel another to engage in prostitution; or

(b) Induces or causes a person under 18 years of age to engage in prostitution; or

(c) Induces or causes the spouse, child or stepchild of the person to engage in prostitution.

(2) Compelling prostitution is a Class B felony.

167.027: Evidence required to show place of prostitution

(1) On the issue of whether a place is a place of prostitution as defined in ORS 167.002, its general repute and repute of persons who reside in or frequent the place shall be competent evidence.

(2) Notwithstanding ORS 136.655, in any prosecution under ORS 167.012 and 167.017, spouses are competent and compellable witnesses for or against either party.

Oregon Prostitution Law News