LGBTQ advocates deliver letter to DC council members calling for sex work decriminalization (Metro Weekly)

Activists advocating for decriminalization of sex work in D.C. submit a letter, signed by 72 organizations, outlining their position to D.C. Councilmember Elissa Silverman, I-At-Large (left). – Photo: Sex Worker Advocates Coalition.

LGBTQ activists and advocates has dropped off copies of a letter addressed to members of the D.C. Council, signed by 72 different organizations, advocating for a bill that would  decriminalize sex work in the District of Columbia.  The four key arguments in favor of the bill are that decriminalizing sex work will 1) allow sex workers, particularly transgender individuals who otherwise can’t obtain jobs due to discrimination, a way to make money to survive; 2) decrease the incidence of violence and harassment that sex workers face at the hands of clients, criminals who target sex workers for money, or even police; 3) decrease rates of HIV by allowing transgender people more time and space to negotiate condom use; and 4) allow sex workers to access resources, government benefits, and employment opportunities that they would otherwise be denied if they have a criminal conviction for prostitution. [Read Article]