Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The city‘s going to regulate massage parlors, with aldermen Tuesday voting unanimously. Citizen David Baker (pictured), who said he lives near a couple of parlors, spoke in favor.

“I would urge that the young women who are trapped working in the parlors receive help. They are victims,” Baker said. “My own daughter was a victim of sexual trafficking as a troubled teenager. She ultimately cooperated with the police and the state’s attorney to help put the trafficker in prison for twenty years.”

Another citizen, Mike Otken, said the ordinance is governmental overreach, and he disputes the contention of the masseuses as “victims.” He also said his wife is a Chinese masseuse who has been raped twice, and that the Constitution says nothing about having to sign up in advance to address the council.

Fines are up to $75- per day.

 

David Baker’s public comments at Springfield City Council Meeting on 6/4/24: