Seattle City Council Passes Drug and Prostitution Laws

The Seattle City Council has passed two significant bills aimed at combating open-air drug markets and prostitution, known as SODA (Stay Out of Drug Areas) and SOAP (Stay Out of Areas of Prostitution), with both measures receiving an 8-1 vote. The SODA ordinance allows courts to restrict drug offenders from entering designated zones, which include areas like Belltown and the International District, while the SOAP legislation makes selling or buying sex a misdemeanor. Supporters argue these laws will enhance community safety, but critics warn they may exacerbate issues for vulnerable populations and fail to address root causes like poverty and addiction. Councilwoman Tammy Morales, the only dissenting vote, criticized the measures as performative, asserting that they offer only temporary solutions. The legislation reflects a shift toward more aggressive law enforcement in a city struggling with rising crime rates, particularly related to drugs and sex work. City officials, including Councilmember Bob Kettle, emphasized the need for new tools to address ongoing public safety concerns and support the local community.