Pennsylvania § 5902 - Prostitution.

Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5902 — Prostitution., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5902. Prostitution.

(a) Prostitution.--An adult is guilty of prostitution if he or she:

(1) engages in sexual activity as a business; or

(2) loiters in or within view of any public place for the purpose of being hired to engage in sexual activity.

(a.1) Grading of offenses under subsection (a).--An offense under subsection (a) constitutes a misdemeanor of the third degree.

(1) (Deleted by amendment).

(2) (Deleted by amendment).

(3) (Deleted by amendment).

(4) (Deleted by amendment).

(b) Promoting prostitution.--(Deleted by amendment).

(b.1) Promoting prostitution of minor.--(Deleted by amendment).

(c) Grading of offenses under subsection (b).--(Deleted by amendment).

(d) Living off prostitutes.--(Deleted by amendment).

(e) Patronizing prostitutes.--(Deleted by amendment).

(e.1) Grading of offenses under subsection (e).--(Deleted by amendment).

(e.2) Publication of sentencing order.--(Deleted by amendment).

(f) Definitions.--As used in this section the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

"House of prostitution." (Deleted by amendment).

"Inmate." (Deleted by amendment).

"Minor." An individual under 18 years of age.

"Public place." Any place to which the public or any substantial group thereof has access.

"Sexual activity." Includes sexual intercourse and deviate sexual intercourse, as those terms are defined in section 3101 (relating to definitions), and any touching on the sexual or other intimate parts of an individual for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire of either person.

(Oct. 4, 1978, P.L.909, No.173, eff. 60 days; Feb. 2, 1990, P.L.6, No.4, eff. 60 days; July 9, 1992, P.L.685, No.100, eff. 60 days; Mar. 31, 1995, 1st Sp.Sess., P.L.985, No.10, eff. 60 days; July 6, 1995, P.L.242, No.28, eff. 60 days; Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.973, No.134, eff. 60 days; Dec. 20, 2011, P.L.446, No.111, eff. 60 days; July 11, 2022, P.L.761, No.73, eff. 60 days; July 20, 2026, P.L.492, No.41, eff. 60 days)

Cross References. Section 5902 is referred to in sections 3001, 3013, 3019, 3064, 3065, 5708, 6318, 9122 of this title; sections 5329, 6344 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations); sections 5552, 5920, 9718.1, 9799.55 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5902

What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5902 cover?

Section 5902 ("Prostitution.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Pennsylvania § 5902?

A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5902" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.

How does Pennsylvania § 5902 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.