Prostitution in Guam: Historical and Legal Perspectives
Prostitution in Oceania, particularly in Guam, has a complex history. During World War II, the Japanese government, in addition to its troops, sent comfort women, or sex workers, to Guam. Five homes were selected to house these women. Independent escorts in Webster Groves and other areas have been mentioned, along with various dates and events related to prostitution. For instance, there are references to legalizing prostitution in Guam, which was discussed during a public hearing on legislation aimed at regulating legitimate massage businesses.
Legal Changes and Challenges
Some reports mention former Guam police officers involved in the Blue House case, which led to resentencing. Legal changes have been made over the years. For example, in 1994, P.L. 22-158 toughened definitions related to prostitution, and penalties for related crimes were enhanced. However, others argue that prostitution is illegal on the island, and the rise of massage parlors and therapeutic facilities has complicated the situation.
Recent Debates and Ongoing Issues
There have been debates about whether prostitution should be legalized in Guam, with some leaders supporting the idea of creating a sex zone to regulate the industry. In 2018, tourism leaders in Guam backed a bill to create a sex zone, warning that without regulation, Tumon might become like Garapan, Saipan’s tourist district, where prostitution is prevalent. Despite these efforts, prostitution remains a significant issue in Guam, with ongoing debates about legalization and regulation. The presence of escort services and massage parlors continues to be a topic of discussion among leaders and the public.
There have been cases of human trafficking and exploitation, such as the incident involving a bar owner who forced young, uneducated women from Chuuk into prostitution. This case highlighted the challenges of separating brothels and prostitution from other issues in Guam.
*TAGS* – Prostitutes Guam Government House, Prostitution in Guam, Legalization of Prostitution, Sex Work Regulation, Human Trafficking in Guam, Massage Parlors and Prostitution, Historical Context of Prostitution
