FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, please contact:
swopusamedia@gmail.com
Sex Workers Outreach Project, USA
www.SWOPUSA.org
SEX WORKERS TO AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: VOTE “YES” ON DECRIMINALIZATION!
Tuesday, August 4th 2015 — On Thursday August 6th, Amnesty International will vote on whether to support the decriminalization of sex work, and policies in defense of sex workers rights. The Sex Workers Outreach Project USA and it’s affiliated local Chapters support this policy proposal.
SWOP-USA is a national grassroots social justice organization dedicated to the fundamental human rights of sex workers. We support decriminalization and related harm reduction measures as the best way to protect and empower people working in the sex industry.
Opposition to this policy incorrectly asserts that Amnesty International is seeking to legalize prostitution, and that no distinction is being made between consensual adult sex work and sex-trafficking. These allegations have no basis, as Amnesty International clearly outlines their stances against trafficking and criminalization (which implies decriminalization as a opposed to legalization) in the first two pages of their proposed policy.
The policy proposal put forth by Amnesty International can be read online.
Thank you for listening to the opinions of sex workers. We support this historic decision, and we are not alone. Other noteworthy public support for this this decision include:
Network of Sex Workers Projects Petition – 6,300 signatures currently.
International Comittee on the Rights of Sex Workers In Europe – signed by over 600 organizations and advocates, including the Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW), New York Anti-Trafficking Network, La Strada International (Europe’s leading anti-trafficking organization), Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID), and more.
[India] SANGRAM – Endorsed by over 120 organizations and 682 individuals
TAMPEP – European Network for HIV/STI Prevention & Health Promotion Among Migrant Sex Workers
Asia Pacific Network of Sex Workers Letter of Support to_Amnesty_International
African Sex Workers Letter of Support to Amnesty International
[Eastern Europe] SWAN Letter of Support
Center for Health & Gender Equality
[USA] Best Practices Policy Project
Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA and Chapters
Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Reform
Mujeres Trabajadoras Sexuales de Latinoamérica y el Caribe
Association for Women’s Rights in Development
[Thailand] Empower Foundation Letter to Amnesty
[USA] Sex Workers Project Letter of Support
