Seattle City Council Approves Controversial Drug and Prostitution Exclusion Zones

The new laws allow judges to ban individuals from specific areas if arrested for certain crimes, sparking debate over public safety and civil rights.

The Seattle City Council voted 8-1 to establish six 'Stay Out of Drug Areas' (SODA) and one 'Stay Out of Area Prostitution' (SOAP) zone.
Judges can now issue exclusion orders banning individuals from these zones if they are arrested for drug-related or prostitution-related crimes.
Proponents argue the zones will disrupt illegal street markets and enhance public safety, while critics claim they will marginalize vulnerable populations without solving root issues.
The American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations oppose the laws, warning they could exacerbate public health crises and disproportionately affect people of color.
Mayor Bruce Harrell supports the measures, which now await his signature, but critics highlight the lack of immediate investments in social services and the potential challenges in law enforcement.