NYC Council Repeals ‘Walking While Trans’ Ban

In a historic vote, the NYC Council unanimously voted to repeal Resolution 0923: Loitering for the Purpose of Engaging in Prostitution (LPP), commonly known as the “Walking While Trans” ban. They also passed Resolution 1444, which allows for convictions for LPP to be sealed. Part of the penal code for almost 40 years, LPP allowed NYC law enforcement to profile and target individuals simply for who they are and what they look like. Black and Brown trans and cisgender women have been disproportionately arrested and affected. People with LPP convictions face discrimination as they apply for jobs, housing, and other basic needs.

DSW applauds these historic decisions and now looks to Albany to end this discriminatory law that has negatively impacted the lives of so many statewide. DSW’s Crystal DeBoise shared: “The New York City Council voted to pass a resolution calling on the state of New York to repeal the racist, antiquated, and deeply harmful Loitering for the Purpose of Engaging in a Prostitution Offense. As a social worker for survivors of human trafficking and sex workers, I have seen up close the damage this charge has caused. I have worked with several individuals arrested for their dress, for standing outside a gay bar, for their history, and for their appearance as a member of the LGBTQ community. Thank you, city council, for standing up for all New Yorkers.”