Decriminalization Advocacy Day at New York State Capitol

Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) joined 130 fellow advocates from New York for an impactful day at the New York State Capitol. DSW played a leading role in the organization of the day along with DecrimNY, the statewide coalition fighting for sex workers’ rights. Advocates from around the state arrived in Albany to educate legislators on the critical need to pass Cecilia’s Act for Rights in the Sex Trades (Cecilia’s Act), formerly known as the Stop Violence in the Sex Trades Act. The day included multiple meetings with legislators and a press conference.

Cecilia’s Act would destigmatize and decriminalize consensual adult sex work by amending the New York criminal law. It would also clear eligible sex work convictions from criminal records. These changes are crucial to promote safety in the sex trades, reduce trafficking, and decrease police harassment. Cecilia’s Act further promotes safety and economic growth by providing for criminal record relief (sealing, expungement) for offenses no longer criminalized. This would allow thousands of New Yorkers to move forward with their lives without the burden of a criminal conviction. Unlike other expungement laws, which require a certain waiting period before convictions are sealed, Cecilia’s Act would provide immediate relief.