Chicago mulls 'prostitution-free zones'

CHICAGO, April 15 (UPI) -- A Chicago alderman introduced an ordinance to create "prostitution-free zones," banning those convicted of prostitution-related offenses from the areas.

Alderman Jason Ervin, 36, of the 28th district said the ordinance would ban the convicts from public parks and walkways in zones designated by the police superintendent, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Friday.

Ervin said prostitution is a major issue in his ward.

"Residents there have to pick up used condoms off their lawns," he said. "I don't want my community to look like that. This gives police another tool."

The alderman said the ordinance would be similar to the city's anti-gang loitering zones, which ban known gang members from gathering in the specified areas.