SEX WORK DECRIMINALIZATION
Our work to end the the criminalization and abuse of sex workers is rooted in practices of harm reduction and decriminalization. We are working with the city government to ensure that Mayor Cantrell’s statement made in support of our work that, “the City of New Orleans will work to secure and uphold the human rights of all individuals,” is upheld. Our Emerge Diversion Program is just one of our programs that works to reduce carceral harm to individuals alleged to engage in sex work through supportive services, and case management.
Decriminalizing Sex Work – LA HB67
In March of 2020, LA HB 67, sponsored by Representative Mandie Landry, was referred to the Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice. It was paused shortly thereafter due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was reintroduced as LA HB67 in the spring legislative session of 2021. This bill seeks to repeal certain prostitution related offenses.
Why must we decriminalize sex work?
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.
General Information about LA HB 67
What is the purpose of LA HB 67?
To end the criminalization of adults who engage in the consensual, transactional labor of trading sexual services for money or goods
What will the bill do?
- Repeal specific prostitution related offenses in the state of Louisiana
- Create earning opportunities with labor protections from violence and coercion
- Reduce potentially violent interactions with law enforcement
- Increase bodily autonomy and ability to access health related services
What won’t the bill do?
- It will NOT increase or decriminalize sex trafficking
- Federal and state laws will remain in place to prosecute all forms of trafficking including labor and sex trafficking. However, many survivors of sex trafficking are often criminalized rather than offered services.
Sign on to support LA HB67 at bit.ly/DecrimSW
Learn more about our work and the history of sex work in Louisiana:
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