DecrimNY is a coalition consisting of sex workers, survivors of trafficking, massage workers and more than 75 groups aimed at making a difference in the lives of those involved in the sex trade, ensuring their rights, safety, and dignity. They are working toward decriminalizing sex work in the state of New York and, changed a few statewide laws and DA policies most recently, have begun advocating for the passage of the Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act (SVSTA).
This crucial legislation seeks to amend statutes to ensure that consenting adults engaged in sex work, collaborating with or supporting peers, or patronizing adult sex workers are not criminalized. Importantly it automatically clears sex work related convictions so that the most marginalized workers can access housing, employment, and other necessities of life.
On May 15, 2024, more than 100 Decrim NY members will travel to Albany, the NY State capitol, to demand the legislature and Governor pass the SVSTA. Lobbying for the decriminalization of sex work is vital for the safety of sex workers and DecrimNY welcomes your support in any form. We hope members of our community will rally together and enforce change. The coalition will host a press rally at 11:30 a.m. on May 15, which you can access on Instagram at @decrimny.
“We are proud to support DecrimNY in their lobbying efforts for SVSTA,” says Alex Kekesi, Head of Brand and Community at Pornhub. “Sex work is work, real work, and no sex worker should be penalized for earning a living. Decriminalization will only protect workers by addressing racial disparities and promoting safety. We will continue to work with external partners who are advocating for the decriminalization of sex work and therefore safeguarding the right to sexual autonomy and bodily self-determination.”
There are 5 key benefits of SVSTA:
1. Addressing racial disparities. The policing of sex work disproportionately affects BIPOC people.
2. Reducing coercion and promoting safety, which empowers sex workers to screen clients, negotiate condom use, and work collaboratively without the fear of criminalization.
3. Protecting workers. The SVSTA does not repeal statutes targeting trafficking, the sexual exploitation of minors, or violence and coercion. It upholds the principle that all workers should be protected against force, fraud, or coercion.
4. Post-conviction relief, which offers relief through automatic sealing provisions, addressing the consequences of criminal convictions, such as economic insecurity, deportation, and housing instability.
5. Creating an evidence-based human rights procedure that aims to reduce sexual trafficking.
Fighting for the rights of sex workers is a global effort and often begins on a small scale. Whether or not you are in the state of New York, you can still get involved. If you are a Model you can get involved by visiting DecrimNY and signing up on their interest form. Donations are greatly appreciated, and they ensure sex workers can attend advocacy and community events. If you use social media, you can support the campaign from home by tweeting a message of support for the Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act by using any of the following hashtags and tagging the following accounts on May 15, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST:
Handles:
@decrimny
@GovKathyHochul
@CarlHeastie (The Speaker of NY’s Assembly)
@AndreaStewartCousins (The Majority Leader of the NY Senate)
Hashtags:
#RightsNotRaids
#SVSTA
#DecrimNY
#PassSVSTANow
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