Georgia Massage Parlors Now on the Radar

Driving up 85 toward South Carolina, billboards with incredibly beautiful women scatter the sky. Of course there are the many that promote themselves bluntly as adult entertainment clubs, but others use a word that brings joy and relaxation to people all over: massage. As an avid promoter of the benefits of massages, that word brings only positive images to my mind. If you can really get a look at the ad, or even drive by the parlor itself, another thought quickly replaces all the positive feelings massages provide. The women in the ads are as seductive as those on the adult entertainment clubs’ billboards. On the windows of the parlors, adult escort and entertainment services. They don’t have the welcoming appearance of ‘Massage Envy’ either. These are places of business, but the business is much more risqué than the billboards suggest, and a senator in Georgia is doing something about it.

In the February of the 2010 legislative session, Sen. Cecil Staton authored a bill, S.B. 364, which would provide aid prosecution of illegal massage parlors. From July 1^st on, parlors would have to hold valid licenses and cut escort, dating, and adult entertainment services out of their promotions. This law will follow a three strikes rule, with the third ending in up to 5 years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine.

On March 17^th the bill was passed with a substitute. On March 22^nd the bill was Senate read and referred.

Legalities of the Senate process aside, this bill is an massive and exciting step forward in helping women within the adult entertainment and prostitution industries.  The battle against illegal activities that are hidden away under false pretences and misleading names leaves many people baffled on how to fight. Georgia and Senator Staton have decided to use legal methods and, in doing so, is heading in a direction could impact laws of this kind in other states. There are methods that we can be involved in as well. Supporting and thanking the senators who create bills such as S.B. 364 is a great way. Prayer is another. Being in prayer for those who create and pass these laws, for the women involved in these massage parlors and their hearts, and for those who run these businesses. Prayer is powerful, especially in a fight such as this and is a method that involves the God who does not fail.

Check out the process of the bill at
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/sum/sb364.htm