New York state lawmakers introduce bill to decriminalize sex work

[brooklynite]

NBC News

A group of Democratic lawmakers in New York state introduced a bill Monday that seeks to decriminalize sex work and make it legal to engage in the consensual sale of sex.

The bill, which follows similar legislative efforts in other states, including Massachusetts and Maine, would go further by vacating prior convictions of people engaged in activity that would no longer be considered criminal. Supporters stressed that the legislation would not alter current laws on sex trafficking or the exploitation of minors.

At a news conference in New York, legislators and advocates with Decrim NY, the coalition pushing for the bill, said that legal attempts to crack down on sex work have historically failed and that an overburdened criminal justice system shouldn't be used to prosecute consenting adults.

In addition, advocates noted that current state laws disproportionately affect women of color and members of the trans community who are the most vulnerable and susceptible to violence and are regularly targeted by law enforcement.

[Dennis Donovan]

1. Hmm... wouldn't this help prevent "sex trafficking or the exploitation of minors"?

...by a greater degree of exposure (regulation) of sex workers?

[Cicada]

2. Medical checkups, tax collections, reduced crime

Sounds like a good idea

[IluvPitties]

3. Good start.

[roamer65]

4. It works in Australia.

[Wounded Bear]

5. When you criminalize something, the criminal element will take it over...

That applies to anything that involves making a profit. Criminalizing something tends to increase the profitability of it for criminals who provide it.

It's true with drugs, it's true with sex.

[Progressive Law]

6. Thank you NY Dem legislators! This is a step in the right direction.