The Alabama House of Representatives passed on Thursday a bill allowing the photos of individuals arrested for hiring prostitutes to be made public.

A 2016 law designed to protect the privacy of those arrested for prostitution has been interpreted by some to protect the privacy of the individuals who hire prostitutes. Arrest photos for nearly all other crimes are made public.

Sponsored by Rep. Merika Coleman (D-Birmingham), HB 271 passed the House unanimously with 100 representatives voting in favor of the legislation.

Coleman emphasized while speaking on the House floor that there is a “direct link” between human trafficking and prostitution. She implied the added disgrace of having an arrest for the crime made public could help drive down interest in hiring prostitutes.

Prostitutes will remain shielded by Alabama law from having their arrest photos made a part of the public record. This measure is designed to allow prostitutes, often victims of human trafficking and domestic abuse, to more easily be channeled into health treatment programs by the relevant authorities.

The legislation was cosponsored by Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur). Coleman thanked Collins and Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs) for their help in shepherding the bill through the House.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.