DSW Organizes Immunity Advocacy Day in Albany

Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW) gathered elected officials, advocates, sex worker rights activists, and survivors of trafficking to urge the New York State Legislature to pass S1966 (Sepulveda) / A7471 (Kelles), an act to amend the penal law in relation to individuals engaged in prostitution who are victims of or witnesses to a crime. S1966 / A7471 (Kelles) is common-sense legislation that would encourage sex workers and trafficking survivors who are crime victims and witnesses to report their experience to law enforcement, receive medical care, and seek help. People involved in commercial sexual activity, whether by choice or because they are being trafficked, are often targeted by predators who know they are unlikely to report victimization or seek medical attention for fear of their own arrest. When abusers are not reported to law enforcement, they are able to continue their acts of violence and exploitation with impunity. Similar legislation has recently passed in a number of states around the country.

The group of advocates included representatives from a variety of organizations from across New York State, including ECLI-VIBES, Equality NY, the Caribbean Equality Project, the Ali Forney Center, and the Free to Be Youth Project, among others. Advocates met with 25 legislators throughout the course of the day to share their stories and educate them on this critical policy. In the weeks since, the bill has gained four co-sponsors in the Senate and nine co-sponsors in the Assembly!