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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 14, 2020 01:14 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Summer Lee |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Sex Work Decriminalization |
| The criminalization of sex work compromises sex workers’ health and safety by driving sex work underground. This makes it much harder for sex workers to negotiate terms with clients, work together for safety, and carry condoms or other sexual health products without fear that they could be used as evidence of prostitution if arrested. While numerous states have tried to help sex workers by criminalizing the purchase of sex work, the stigma and fear of legal repercussions remain for actual sex workers themselves. My bill aims to further protect sex workers by decriminalizing prostitution for adults. By taking the stigma and fear of arrest away, I believe that sex workers will feel more empowered and be willing to come forward if they have been victims of sexual violence, trafficking, or need medical assistance due to their line of work. We can no longer ignore the fact that sex work is work, however stigmatized – sex workers deserve the same protections as other workers. As legislators, it is our duty to serve all of our constituents to the best of our ability, regardless of which profession they are in. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |