Prostitution in Guam

Prostitution in Guam is illegal but is practised covertly, especially in massage parlours.[1] Although massage parlours are sometimes raided, generally the authorities turn a blind eye.[1]

Legislation

Chapter 28 (Public Indecency) of the Guam Crimes and Correctional Code outlaws prostitution as well as soliciting, compelling, promoting or abetting prostitution. The latter includes using the services of a prostitute.[2] The relevant articles are:[2]

  • § 28.10. Prostitution Defined - Defines terms used in the legislation
  • § 28.15. Loitering for the Purpose of Soliciting to Engage in Prostitution - Criminalises solicitation
  • § 28.20. Promoting Prostitution - Criminalises owning, controlling, managing or supervising a place of prostitution, inciting somebody to enter prostitution
  • § 28.25. Abetting Prostitution - Criminalises soliciting a person to patronise a prostitute, procures a prostitute for himself, transports a person in or out of Guam for the purposes of prostitution
  • § 28.30. Compelling Prostitution - Criminalises forced prostitution and child prostitution

The Department of Public Health and Social Services mandates STI testing massage parlour workers[3]

History

When the island was discovered by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, the indigenous Chamorros already practised prostitution and regarded it as a prestigious occupation.[1]

During the Japanese occupation of Guam in WW2, some local Chamorro women were forced to work in the Japanese military brothels set up on the island (I Tiempon Chapones)[4] along with the Japanese and Korean woman the Japanese had brought there. After the American liberation of Guam, a number of brothels were set up to serve the American servicemen.[5]

The establishment of US bases on the island after the islands were liberated in WW2, increased the demand for prostitution.[1]

Red-light district

The tourist area of the Tumon district of Tamuning the island's de facto red-light district. There are many massage parlours, 75% opening 24 hours a day.[6]

There have been ongoing discussions about establishing a legitimate red-light district since 2006.[1] A Bill was introduced to the Legislature in 2010 by vice-speaker Benjamin Cruz.[1] It proposed re-zoning Tumon and having all the adult entertainment establishment in one designated area.[7] The Bill did not pass into law.[1]

Sex trafficking

Sex trafficking is a problem on the island,[8] although due to poor reporting the extent is not fully known.[9]

In 2012, a 70-year-old female was sentenced to life imprisonment for sex trafficking. She owned the "Blue House" karaoke bar where women were trafficked to from Chuuk in Micronesia. The women were promised employment in restaurants or stores but on arrival were forced to work as prostitutes.[10] The manageress of the bar and 2 police officers also faced charges for their involvement. A third police officer disciplined by the police department.[11]

It has been suggested that lax policies on massage parlours contributes to sex trafficking.[6]

References
  1. Posmanick-Cooper, Lindsey; Rustick, Holly M. (2015). "An Analysis of Human Trafficking Indicators on Guam" (PDF). Outreach and Research Subcommittee, Guam Human Trafficking Task Force - Office of the U.S. Attorney for Guam and the Northern Marianas. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  2. "GCA Crimes and Correction" (PDF). Guam Courts. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  3. "Sex Work Legal Info". Exotic Documentary. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  4. Bevaqua, Michael Lujan (December 31, 2015). "When the Moon Waxes: Not-so-comforting apologies". Marianas Variety. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  5. Okihiro, Gary Y (2015). American History Unbound: Asians and Pacific Islanders. University of California Press. p. 369.
  6. Partido, Gerry R. (January 22, 2017). "Expert: Tighter policies on massage parlors can curb trafficking". The Guam Daily Post. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  7. "Guam's Red-Light Zoning Proposal: "Look at a map"
    How Will This Zoning Proposal Square with the US Military's Prohibition on Facilitating Human Trafficking?"    . Kathryn Cramer. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
  8. "NGO in Guam warns human trafficking is a big problem". Radio New Zealand. August 29, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  9. "Federal bill could greatly help Guam's human trafficking problem". Kuam News. July 14, 2017. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  10. "Guam bar owner sentenced to life in prison for sex trafficking". US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. September 20, 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  11. Parinas, Aisabel (May 19, 2015). "Human and Sex Trafficking on Guam". Prezi. Retrieved February 4, 2018.
  • Exotic 2016 feature documentary about the commercial sex industry on Guam. Directed by Amy Oden
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