Overview

• 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.