SEX WORK DECRIM
For over 30 years, WWAV has been working to end the abuse and criminalization of sex workers. In the 80s and 90s WWAV staff forged relationships with street-based sex workers and shared essential sexual health information. Building off that work, WWAV led the NO Justice campaign, a campaign to secure justice for thousands of sex workers placed on the sex offenders registry for engaging in so-called “crimes against nature acts.” We won the initial lawsuit plus a ruling that allowed those convicted under CANS to motion to have their name removed from the Louisiana state sex offender registry. In 2021 we partnered with sex workers to lead the first legislative push in the South to decriminalize sex work. Today, our EMERGE Diversion Program (the only non-court based diversion program in New Orleans) works to reduce carceral harm through supportive services and case management to individuals alleged to engage in sex work.
WHY DECRIM?
Decriminalizing sex work will decrease disenfranchisement, poverty, risk of violence and vulnerability to sex trafficking. Individuals who are hyper-policed and arrested for sex work related offenses live at the intersection of multiple oppressions and often engage in sex work as a means of survival. Which is not surprising given the racism and queerphobia that is deeply rooted in our criminal and municipal codes, a state that still upholds ‘anti-sodomy’ laws. By removing criminal penalties from offenses related to consensual sex work, individuals facing employment discrimination or those who are unable to earn a living wage in traditional economies, for any reason, will have access to self-employment and income. We know that the decriminalization of sex work is a racial justice and human rights issue. It is an economic justice and labor rights issue. The injustices of criminalization leave sex workers vulnerable to an increased risk of violence. Sex workers, like any other worker, deserve the right to labor free of violence and with equal protections under the law.
Click the link below to ‘Learn More’ about sex work decriminalization.