Citizens Say: 'Fine The Trick'

Citizens Say: 'Fine The Trick'

A drive to curb prostitutes by prosecuting their customers was launched two weeks ago through the united efforts of the Detroit NAACP, police, the mayor's office and citizens' groups.

The drive, launched at an August 16 meeting at St. John's CME church, will focus on the enforcement of a Michigan law that makes it a misdemeanor for a man to solicit a prostitute.

Violation of the law is punishable by a maximum fine of $100 and 90 days in jail.

Also accompanying the drive will be the picketing of motels frequented by prostitutes.

Joe Madison, executive director of the Detroit Chapter of the NAACP, said another facet will be to encourage the media to print the names of all "johns" arrested. He also said the NAACP was attacking prostitution because of the criminal activity it encourages.

"The idea that prostitution is a victimless crime is absurd," Madison said. "Whether we are oppressed by a racist sheriff or crime really makes no difference. And the Black community is losing its human dignity because of prostitution."

Photo caption: NAACP protests hookers on 8 Mile Rd.