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For interviews or data, contact:
Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications
[email protected] | (212) 368-7874

Guilty Plea in Gilgo Beach Murders Highlights How Criminalization Blocked Critical Evidence

New York, NY (June 17, 2026) — As Rex Heuermann is sentenced for the murders of eight women whose remains were discovered near Gilgo Beach in New York, Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) urges policymakers to confront the systemic failures that left the victims vulnerable and hindered efforts to identify the perpetrator. Several of Heuermann's victims reportedly engaged in sex work. Criminalization and stigma push sex workers into dangerous conditions, make it harder to report violence, and create barriers to seeking help.

“Today is about accountability for one perpetrator and it also has to be about accountability for the systems that made the victims vulnerable,” said Ariela Moscowitz, communications director at DSW. “The victims in this case deserved safety, dignity, and protection long before their murders. Instead, they lived in a society that often treats people engaged in sex work as disposable.”

Criminalization makes it more difficult to report violence and identify dangerous offenders. Safe reporting laws for sex workers who report crimes as victims or witnesses remain an important public safety measure. When people fear arrest for prostitution-related offenses, they may be less likely to report violence, suspicious activity, or information that could assist an investigation.

“Sex workers who experience violence or witness crimes should be able to seek help without fearing arrest themselves,” DSW Legal Director Melissa Broudo said. “No one should have to choose between their own safety and cooperating with law enforcement. Strong immunity protections save lives, but ultimately decriminalization is what allows people to access safety, report harm, and exercise the same rights as anyone else.”

Research and the lived experiences of sex workers consistently demonstrate that criminalization drives the industry further underground, making it harder for workers to screen clients, share safety information, access services, and seek assistance when they experience violence.

Every person deserves protection, regardless of how they earn a living. Real safety comes from ensuring that people can report violence, seek help, and live free from criminalization and stigma.

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Decriminalize Sex Work
Decriminalize Sex Work is a national organization pursuing a state-by-state strategy to end the prohibition of consensual, adult prostitution in the United States. We work with local organizations, advocates, and lobbyists to build community support and convince legislators to stop prostitution-related arrests. Evidence shows that decriminalizing sex work will help end human trafficking, improve public health, and promote community safety.

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For interviews or data, contact:
Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications
[email protected] | (212) 368-7874

Guilty Plea in Gilgo Beach Murders Highlights How Criminalization Blocked Critical Evidence

New York, NY (April 9, 2026) — The guilty plea entered by Rex Heuermann in the Gilgo Beach murders marks a long-overdue moment of accountability in a case that has devastated families and communities for more than a decade. This development highlights the tragic and preventable reality that critical information that could have led to Heuermann’s arrest years ago and prevented further murders, went unreported for years because sex workers and survivors of trafficking were not protected when coming forward to report violence and exploitation.

Sex workers information potentially relevant to this case could not safely come forward, fearing arrest and prosecution. This inability is the direct result of criminalization, which pushes people into the shadows and creates conditions where violence and exploitation can thrive. Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) Legal Director Melissa Sontag Broudo directly represented sex workers in New York City in 2010 at the time of the first murders.

“There were sex workers who may have had information that could have led to an arrest much sooner, but they could not come forward without risking arrest themselves,” said Broudo. “Without immunity from prostitution charges, coming forward simply wasn’t a safe option and as a result, critical information remained out of reach.”

Stigma surrounding sex work also shapes how cases like these are investigated. When victims are viewed through a lens of bias or seen as less credible, cases may not receive the urgency, resources, or attention they deserve. This dynamic can delay investigations, limit engagement with impacted communities, and contribute to a broader pattern in which violence against sex workers is deprioritized or overlooked. The investigation into the Gilgo Beach murders was delayed, and repeatedly botched and mishandled due to stigma against were sex workers.

This past year New York enacted immunity legislation to allow sex workers and survivors of trafficking to report violence and exploitation without facing prosecution for certain low-level offenses. These policies are necessary because of criminalization itself, which creates the fear and barriers that prevent people from reporting harm in the first place.

“Decriminalization of consensual adult sex work is essential to preventing violence like this,” said Ariela Moscowitz, communications director at DSW. “Right now, serial killers and abusers are able to operate with impunity because the people they target are pushed into the shadows and cannot safely come forward. If sex workers could report violence without fear of arrest or stigma, these crimes would not continue.”

Immunity protections are a critical step in addressing these systemic failures. By ensuring that sex workers and survivors of trafficking can report violence, coercion, or exploitation without fear of prosecution, these policies make it possible for law enforcement to access vital information and intervene sooner. Safe reporting laws directly protect victims and witnesses of violence and they benefit all communities by allowing law enforcement to better detect criminal activity.

The resolution of this case should not be viewed as an endpoint, but as a call to action. Policymakers must address the systemic barriers created by criminalization that prevent some of the most vulnerable individuals from reporting harm. Ensuring that sex workers and survivors of trafficking can seek help without fear is a matter of justice and a critical step in preventing future tragedies.

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Decriminalize Sex Work
Decriminalize Sex Work is a national organization pursuing a state-by-state strategy to end the prohibition of consensual, adult prostitution in the United States. We work with local organizations, advocates, and lobbyists to build community support and convince legislators to stop prostitution-related arrests. Evidence shows that decriminalizing sex work will help end human trafficking, improve public health, and promote community safety.

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For interviews or data, contact:
Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications
[email protected] | (212) 368-7874

New York Enshrines Protections for Survivors of Trafficking and Sex Workers

New York, NY (December 23, 2025) — Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) applauds New York’s enactment of A1029‑B/S3967‑B, landmark legislation signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul that allows trafficking survivors and sex workers to come forward as victims or witnesses to crime without fear of arrest or prosecution.

The bill passed unanimously in both the state Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support, following years of advocacy by a broad coalition of survivors, sex worker‑led organizations, anti‑trafficking groups, civil rights advocates and public safety experts. 

The new law provides conditional immunity from prosecution for prostitution‑related offenses when someone is a victim of or witness to a crime and seeks help, including medical care, or otherwise acts in good faith. Previously, fear of prosecution kept many survivors and sex workers from reporting crimes, even serious violence and exploitation. 

The protections are modeled in part on New York’s existing “Good Samaritan” law that shields people who seek emergency help during an overdose from prosecution, and are intended to encourage reporting in situations where people have historically stayed silent out of fear of arrest. 

“This law recognizes that safety must be prioritized over punishment,” said DSW Legal Director Melissa Broudo. “The immunity bill removes fear of arrest for survivors, creating safe pathways to seek help and access support. It is a vital and common sense public safety measure that strengthens law enforcement’s ability to identify, investigate, and convict perpetrators of violence and trafficking.”

An immunity law like this could have helped surface essential information sooner in investigations such as the Gilgo Beach serial killer case, where criminalization discouraged potential witnesses from reporting what they knew. Safe reporting laws meaningfully protect victims and witnesses of violence and they ultimately benefit all communities by allowing law enforcement to better detect criminal activity.

This law is a long overdue public safety measure and New York joins eleven other states with similar laws. DSW is committed to expanding this model in other states and continuing to advocate for the decriminalization of consensual adult sex work and the implementation of survivor-informed, harm-reduction policies nationwide.

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Decriminalize Sex Work
Decriminalize Sex Work is a national organization pursuing a state-by-state strategy to end the prohibition of consensual, adult prostitution in the United States. We work with local organizations, advocates, and lobbyists to build community support and convince legislators to stop prostitution-related arrests. Evidence shows that decriminalizing sex work will help end human trafficking, improve public health, and promote community safety.

NEWS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | PDF

For interviews or data, contact:
Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications
[email protected] | (212) 368-7874

New Wave of Massage Parlor Crackdowns Fails To Protect Workers or Stop Trafficking

New York, NY (September 26, 2025) — Across the U.S., lawmakers are ramping up enforcement against massage parlors in the name of fighting human trafficking, but sex worker advocates warn these crackdowns do little to stop trafficking and instead make conditions more dangerous for workers.

In 2025 alone, fourteen states including New York, New Hampshire, and New Jersey have passed or proposed laws that expand the government’s power to close massage businesses, suspend licenses, and prosecute property owners. These efforts are framed as anti-trafficking, but in practice, they often result in the arrest and displacement of immigrant and low-income workers, many of whom are not being trafficked.

“These laws don’t distinguish between trafficking and consensual work whether sex is involved or not,” said Ariela Moscowitz, Director of Communications at Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW). “They rely on raids, surveillance, and criminalization instead of support, safety, or services. Workers end up arrested, evicted, and worse off than before.”

Enforcement-heavy approaches frequently push workers further underground, away from healthcare, legal protection, and community. Rather than improving safety or reducing exploitation, these policies increase workers’ vulnerability to violence and coercion while doing little to combat trafficking.

Key Facts:

* Over a dozen states have introduced tougher massage parlor regulations since 2023.

* New laws often include emergency closure powers, expanded inspections, and criminal penalties for landlords.

* Workers are routinely arrested during raids, which are often dangerous, then face housing loss, deportation risk, and unemployment.

* No evidence shows these laws reduce trafficking, but they do make workers more isolated and at risk.

It is time to shift from criminalization to support, which would center the rights, autonomy, and safety of workers instead of punishing them under the guise of protection.

 

Decriminalize Sex Work
Decriminalize Sex Work is a national organization pursuing a state-by-state strategy to end the prohibition of consensual, adult prostitution in the United States. We work with local organizations, advocates, and lobbyists to build community support and convince legislators to stop prostitution-related arrests. Evidence shows that decriminalizing sex work will help end human trafficking, improve public health, and promote community safety.

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Media Contact:
Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications
[email protected] | (212) 368-7874

New Poll: Most New Yorkers Support Decriminalizing Prostitution

Citywide survey reveals shifting public opinion amid high-stakes mayoral race

New York, NY (September 15, 2025) — A new citywide poll reveals a significant shift in public sentiment, with a growing majority of New Yorkers now supporting the decriminalization of prostitution. As political rhetoric around the issue escalates, the findings make one thing clear: voters are ready for change.

The poll, conducted between September 4 and 5, 2025, surveyed more than 550 registered voters across all five boroughs. Only 33% believe prostitution should remain a criminal offense, while 52% say the government should stop wasting resources arresting adults for consensual sex work.

“This poll shows that New Yorkers are increasingly ready to move away from criminalization and toward a more compassionate and pragmatic approach,” said Melissa Broudo, Legal Director at Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW). “Decriminalization not only protects sex workers from exploitation and abuse, but also allows law enforcement to focus on real threats to public safety.”

The findings arrive at a pivotal moment in New York City's mayoral race, where sex work policy became an unexpected flashpoint. Candidate Zohran Mamdani’s past support for decriminalization was publicly attacked by incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, both of whom falsely claimed that decriminalization would fuel human trafficking and sex tourism.

“New Yorkers have spoken loud and clear — policing consensual adult sex work is at the very bottom of their priority list,” said Crystal DeBoise, Director of Strategic Partnerships at DSW. “This poll sends a strong message that directly contradicts Mayor Adams’s narrative. Voters want safety and support, not surveillance and criminalization.”

The poll also tested public opinion on the so-called “entrapment model,” a policy framework that criminalizes buyers of sex but not sellers. Sometimes branded the “Nordic model” or “equality model,” this approach is often marketed as a means of curtailing prostitution and combating trafficking. But voters strongly oppose it. Only 10% support the model, 51% oppose it, and 39% remain unsure.

“Countries that have implemented the entrapment model continue to see violence and exploitation perpetrated against sex workers,” Broudo added. “It doesn’t work, and New Yorkers sense that.”

 

Decriminalize Sex Work
Decriminalize Sex Work is a national organization pursuing a state-by-state strategy to end the prohibition of consensual, adult prostitution in the United States. We work with local organizations, advocates, and lobbyists to build community support and convince legislators to stop prostitution-related arrests. Evidence shows that decriminalizing sex work will help end human trafficking, improve public health, and promote community safety.

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Media Contact:
Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications
[email protected] | (212) 368-7874

Massachusetts Supreme Court Ruling Reinforces Key Distinction Between Sex Work and Human Trafficking

Boston, MA (May 6, 2025) — A recent ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has clarified an important distinction in the state’s laws: responding to an advertisement for sexual services does not constitute human trafficking. The decision in Commonwealth v. Garafalo reinforces that trafficking laws are intended to target those who coerce, exploit, or manipulate others into commercial sex, not adults who voluntarily choose to engage in it.

This ruling is a crucial step in addressing the long-standing confusion between consensual adult sex work and trafficking. While human trafficking involves force, fraud, or coercion, consensual adult sex work is chosen freely by individuals. This distinction must be recognized to ensure that both trafficking victims and sex workers can receive the protection and justice they deserve.

“The decision is a major step forward in separating fact from fiction,” said Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications at Decriminalize Sex Work. “We cannot continue to treat all sex workers as victims or criminals, regardless of their circumstances. Trafficking is a serious crime, and consensual adult sex work is not the same thing. This ruling clarifies the law and brings us closer to a more just and effective approach.”

When sex work is criminalized, sex workers are pushed into the shadows, making them more vulnerable to violence, abuse, and exploitation. This harms both voluntary workers and trafficking victims by discouraging people from coming forward, seeking help, or reporting abuse due to fear of arrest. Decriminalizing consensual adult sex work would allow individuals to work more safely, access healthcare, and report abuse without the fear of legal repercussions.

“We must focus on prosecuting traffickers — those who prey on vulnerable individuals, using force, fraud, or coercion — not those engaged in a consensual transaction,” Moscowitz continued. “The law needs to reflect the difference between coercion and choice. This ruling makes that distinction clear, and it’s a necessary step for public policy reform.”

Advocates are calling on policymakers to follow the lead of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and address the critical issue of how the law treats sex work. Decriminalization, they argue, will ensure that sex workers are treated like legitimate workers, entitled to the same rights and protections as anyone else in the labor force. Where sex work has been decriminalized, sex workers and trafficking survivors are afforded human rights. Trafficking, exploitation, and violence against women decrease sharply. By separating sex work from trafficking, the law can focus on the real criminals — traffickers — while protecting the safety and rights of consensual adult sex workers.

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Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) is a national organization pursuing a state-by-state strategy to end the prohibition of consensual adult prostitution in the United States. DSW works with local organizations, advocates, and lobbyists to build community support and convince legislators to stop prostitution-related arrests. Evidence shows that decriminalizing sex work will help end human trafficking, improve public health, and promote community safety.

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Media Contact:
Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications
[email protected] | (212) 368-7874

States Introduce Harmful Legislation in Misguided Efforts To Combat Trafficking

New York, NY (February 11, 2025) — Lawmakers in 11 states are advancing controversial bills that target individuals involved in consensual adult sex work, exacerbating the criminalization of marginalized communities and reinforcing harmful stigma. Most of the bills focus on renaming solicitation of prostitution to “commercial sexual exploitation,” and increasing penalties for solicitation of prostitution, changes that will create more barriers to safety and resources for sex workers while failing to address the root causes of exploitation.

Key bills under consideration include:

* Washington HB1265: Renames “Patronizing a Prostitute” to “Commercial Sexual Exploitation,” elevating the offense from a misdemeanor to a Class C felony, with increased fees.

* Idaho HB88: Makes soliciting commercial sexual activity a felony, escalating from the current law that treats a first offense as a misdemeanor.

* Nevada AB151: Adds “solicitation for prostitution” by customers to the sex offender registry, making it subject to the same penalties as other sexual offenses.

* Kansas SB71: Increases penalties for purchasing sexual services and mandates “John school” diversion programs.

* New Jersey S4123/A1185: Elevates the penalty for prostitution as a patron and directs fines to a Human Trafficking Survivor’s Assistance Fund.

* Nebraska LB511: Creates the offense of “commercial sexual exploitation,” adds certain offenses to the sex offender registry, and establishes a grant program for law enforcement.

* Virginia HB2763: Increases penalties for repeat offenders of soliciting prostitution.

* South Carolina S235: Increases penalties for both prostitution and solicitation.

* Missouri HB224: Increases penalties for patronizing prostitution.

* Oklahoma SB869: Elevates all prostitution-related crimes to felonies.

* New Hampshire SB267: Introduces a mandatory $500 fine for engaging in prostitution as a patron, directing funds to a victims’ assistance fund.

Proponents of these measures conflate human trafficking with consensual adult sex work, misdirecting resources and enforcement efforts. “Conflating sex work with trafficking wastes vital law enforcement resources. By diverting time and funding to prosecute consensual adult sex work, the ability to focus on real trafficking cases is hindered, allowing true exploitation to go unaddressed,” said Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications at Decriminalize Sex Work.

Tens of thousands of people are arrested annually in the United States for prostitution and related charges. The majority of those arrested are adults who engage in consensual, victimless activities. Unambiguous data shows a clear correlation between laws that criminalize clients and an increase in violence, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and exploitation within the sex trade. The increased criminalization of clients pushes sex work further underground and leaves workers vulnerable to harm. This not only increases their exposure to violence and health risks, but it also forces sex workers into reliance on potentially exploitative third parties to maintain their business while avoiding discovery.

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Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) is a national organization pursuing a state-by-state strategy to end the prohibition of consensual adult prostitution in the United States. DSW works with local organizations, advocates, and lobbyists to build community support and convince legislators to stop prostitution-related arrests. Evidence shows that decriminalizing sex work will help end human trafficking, improve public health, and promote community safety.

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Media Contact:
Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications
[email protected] | (212) 368-7874

Vermont Voters Support the Decriminalization of Sex Work

Montpelier, VT (September 12, 2024) — A recent statewide survey shows Vermonters strongly support the decriminalization of consensual adult sex work by more than 26% compared to those that think sex work should remain a crime (50–24). 26% of those surveyed remain undecided. The poll  found that Democrats/Progressives strongly support decriminalization with 62% in support and only 14% opposed.  Decriminalization is supported by one third of Republicans surveyed.  Decriminalization is strongly supported by voters ages 18-45 (59-24) These results closely reflect national trends.

58% of voters said that the government should stop expending resources to arrest adults for consensual prostitution. VT has recently implemented several policy changes supporting the basic human rights of sex workers and survivors of trafficking at both the state and city levels. In 2023, a new law was enacted prohibiting law enforcement from engaging in investigatory sex, which along with the state’s prohibition on custodial sex, now comprises the country’s most comprehensive ban on police sexual violence. In 2022, VT passed a ballot referendum that removed a ban on prostitution from the city charter in Burlington, VT, and a similar local ordinance also passed in Montpelier, the state capital. Laws that allow sex workers and survivors of trafficking to seek justice or medical care when they are victimized or witness a crime were enacted in 2022.

The survey also asked voters whether they would support decriminalizing the sale of sex, while keeping the purchase of sex illegal. Only 15% support this model of prohibiting prostitution, while 51% oppose it, and 34% are unsure. Lawmakers market “entrapment model” — also called the “Nordic model” or “equality model”  legislation as a means of curtailing prostitution and combating trafficking but countries that have implemented the entrapment model continue to see violence and exploitation perpetrated against sex workers.

“These poll results match what we’re hearing from Vermont voters daily,” said Henri Bynx, co-director of The Ishtar Collective, which supports survivors of exploitation and consensual adult sex workers throughout VT. “Half of voters support decriminalizing sex work, while one-quarter of voters are undecided and open-minded on the issue.  Also, voters disapprove of the entrapment approach to sex work, and aren’t thrilled about spending taxpayer money to arrest consenting adults said Henri Bynx, co-director of The Ishtar Collective, which supports survivors of exploitation and consensual adult sex workers throughout VT.

The poll, which surveyed 539 voters in Vermont, was conducted by  Public Policy Polling on September 4 and 5, 2024.

Decriminalize Sex Work
Decriminalize Sex Work is a national organization pursuing a state-by-state strategy to end the prohibition of consensual, adult prostitution in the United States. We work with local organizations, advocates, and lobbyists to build community support and convince legislators to stop prostitution-related arrests. Evidence shows that decriminalizing sex work will help end human trafficking, improve public health, and promote community safety.

NEWS RELEASE | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | PDF

Media Contact:
Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications
[email protected] | (212) 368-7874

Maine Voters Oppose Proposed Changes to Prostitution Laws

Augusta, ME (June 26, 2023) — Today Governor Janet Mills signed into law a bill, sponsored by Representative Lois Reckitt, that makes it legal for adults to sell sexual services but illegal for adults to buy sexual services. Maine is now the first and only state to enact the policy model referred to as the Nordic model, the Entrapment model, or the End Demand model. Lawmakers market this legislation as a means of curtailing prostitution and combating trafficking, while evidence from around the world shows it does neither. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UNAIDS, the Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, the World Health Organization, and many other human rights groups have denounced the Entrapment model because because countries that have implemented it continue to see violence and exploitation in commercial sex proliferate.

The criminalization of buying and/or selling sex makes sex workers vulnerable to predators. Due to fear of arrest, people are hesitant to provide the information sex workers need to effectively screen individuals and separate predators from actual clients. Because criminalizing clients pushes the entire industry further underground, sex workers are more dependent on potentially exploitative third parties to help clients avoid discovery in order to keep their business, even if this risks exploitation. Sweden and Northern Ireland implemented Entrapment Model laws in 1999 and 2015, respectively. In both places, prostitution persists. A study released in Sweden in 2019 reports the unambiguous failure of the Entrapment Model to reduce demand for prostitution, to deter people from engaging in sex work, or to provide meaningful resources to victims of human trafficking in or out of the sex industry.

Proponents of this legislation claim that consensual adult sex work is inherently exploitative which is untrue. Enacting this legislation not only shows disregard for ample and unequivocal evidence, it also codifies the dangerous notion that adults do not have bodily autonomy and cannot consent to paid sex. “Lots of supporters of Entrapment model legislation are feminists who support bodily autonomy as it relates to abortion but do not think people should have that same right to bodily autonomy should they choose to engage in sex work,” said Rebecca Cleary, a staff attorney at Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW). “Entrapment Model laws are misguided and misinformed, driven by harmful and stigmatizing ideology and the false promise that they will abolish the sex industry.  Enacting this law will cause real harm to Maine’s most marginalized individuals. We will monitor the effects of the law closely to mitigate harm and ensure that no other states follow Maine’s unprecedented decision,” she continued.

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Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) is a national organization pursuing a state-by-state strategy to end the prohibition of consensual adult prostitution in the United States. DSW works with local organizations, advocates, and lobbyists to build community support and convince legislators to stop prostitution-related arrests. Evidence shows that decriminalizing sex work will help end human trafficking, improve public health, and promote community safety.

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Media Contact:
Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications
[email protected] | (212) 368-7874

Maine Voters Oppose Proposed Changes to Prostitution Laws

Augusta, ME (June 5, 2023) — A recent statewide survey shows Mainers overwhelmingly oppose legislation related to prostitution that passed the Maine House and will be heard in the Senate tomorrow. LD 1435, “An Act to Reduce Commercial Exploitation,” sponsored by Representative Lois Reckitt proposes to make it legal for adults to sell sexual services, but illegal for adults to buy sexual services. When asked if they support or oppose this proposed law, only 12% of Mainers stated they support it while an overwhelming 55% oppose it. 33% percent were unsure.

LD1435 is one of only three bills that have been introduced in the country this year that proposes enacting the policy model referred to as the Equality Model, the Nordic model, the Entrapment model, or the End Demand model. Lawmakers market this legislation as a means of curtailing prostitution and combating trafficking, while evidence from around the world shows it does neither. Countries that have implemented the entrapment model continue to see violence and exploitation in commercial sex.

Proponents of this legislation claim human trafficking and consensual adult sex work are indistinguishable, which is untrue. “When sex work and trafficking are conflated, law enforcement and other state resources are misappropriated. Money and time is used to prosecute any prostitution-related crimes, limiting resources that could be otherwise fully focused on trafficking investigations,” said Rebecca Cleary, staff attorney at Decriminalize Sex work. Notably, of Mainers who know someone who has been trafficked into the commercial sex industry, 48% oppose the policy model proposed by LD 1435, while only 11% would support it.

Because criminalizing clients pushes the entire industry further underground, sex workers are more dependent on potentially exploitative third parties to help clients avoid discovery in order to keep their business, even if this risks exploitation. Sweden and Northern Ireland implemented Entrapment Model laws in 1999 and 2015, respectively. In both places, prostitution persists. In Northern Ireland, a 2019 review of the impact of the legislation found no decrease in demand, leading the Department of Justice to label the policy ineffective. A study released in Sweden in 2019 reports the unambiguous failure of the Entrapment Model to reduce demand for prostitution, or to deter people from engaging in sex work, or to provide meaningful resources to victims of human trafficking in or out of the sex industry.

The poll, which surveyed 538 registered voters in Maine was conducted by Public Policy Polling on May 24 and 25, 2023.

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Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) is a national organization pursuing a state-by-state strategy to end the prohibition of consensual adult prostitution in the United States. DSW works with local organizations, advocates, and lobbyists to build community support and convince legislators to stop prostitution-related arrests. Evidence shows that decriminalizing sex work will help end human trafficking, improve public health, and promote community safety.