Decriminalize Sex Workers

Decriminalize Sex Workers by Brianna Knight, Staff Writer at FreeSexAds.com

We support the movement to decriminalize sex workers. FreeSexAds.com stands firmly against the criminal prosecution of sex workers. These sex workers, who often find themselves victims of horrific crimes such as human trafficking, assault, and coercion. They deserve protection and respect, not prosecution. Decriminalization of sex work is critical for the safety and dignity of all sex providers.

Sex workers are diverse. They include prostitutes, personal escorts and sex providers, strippers, massage and body rub providers, dom and fetish providers, porn actors, cam & phone sex workers. These varied roles share common threads of stigmatization and legal challenges that place sex workers at risk. The criminalization of sex work perpetuates this stigma and exposes sex providers to greater harm.

We Support Sex Workers

FreeSexAds.com is proudly sex-positive and we wholeheartedly support the rights of consenting adults to engage in any sexual activities they desire, including sex for money. However, following the passing of the FOSTA/SESTA legislation in the U.S., we removed escort ads from our platform. This legislation, while intended to combat trafficking, has had unintended and harmful consequences for consensual sex workers and the sex hookup platforms. We look forward to the day when this misguided and grossly ambiguous legislation is overturned, allowing us once again to provide a safe and supportive space for escort ads.

The Case for Decriminalization

Criminalization of sex work pushes it underground, making it more difficult for workers to report crimes committed against them for fear of legal repercussions. This underground status also limits access to health care and social services, increasing the risks of violence, sexually transmitted infections, and the myriad of criminal and social issues that go along with underground sex work.

Current laws often target and penalize sex workers more than their clients. This means that those most vulnerable—typically women, LGBTQ+ providers, and especially people of color—face the most significant legal consequences. At the same time, their customers often get little or no enforcement or legal consequences. This naturally reinforces the systems inequalities that penalize sex workers who are often the real victims.

Advocates for Sex Worker Rights

Several organizations are leading the charge to decriminalize sex work and protect the rights of those within the industry. Notable groups include:

Red Umbrella Fund: Financial and advocacy assistance to support the rights of sex workers. Website: www.redumbrellafund.org
Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP-USA): A U.S. network dedicated to the human rights of sex workers. Website: www.swopusa.org
Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP): Advocates for the health and human rights of sex workers. Website: www.nswp.org

Please join FreeSexAds.com in making financial donations to support any of these sex workers rights organizations. We have chosen to support Red Umbrella Fund.

Positive Contributions of Sex Workers to the Community

Despite the stigma, sex workers make valuable contributions to our communities and to society. Many sex workers are actively engaged in promoting health, safety, and well-being within their communities. You will often see them involved in public health initiatives, distributing condoms, educating others about sexual health, becoming involved in peer education programs and providing information to help prevent sexually transmitted disease.

Many sex workers are active in advocacy and social justice efforts. They work tirelessly to challenge stereotypes, fight for legal rights, and support others in their community. This activism not only benefits sex workers but also promotes broader human rights and equality such as the LGBTQ+ community, women’s rights, people of color, etc.

Sex workers also do their part for the economy. Just as anyone else, they rent apartments and purchase goods and even contribute to tax revenues. Some sex workers earn a good living and enjoy financial independence allowing them to support their family, pursue education, and invest in their futures.

The contributions of sex workers extend to providing emotional support and companionship. For many clients, sex workers offer a non-judgmental space to explore human connection and intimacy, which can be profoundly healing and beneficial. In fact, most sex workers will tell you that most of their customers just want someone who will listen and not be judgmental. Many sex workers become experts at showing compassion and empathy with their customers.

Our Stance on Criminal Activities Surrounding Sex Work

At FreeSexAds.com, while we firmly advocate for the decriminalization of sex work. However, we want to make it unequivocally clear that we do not condone any criminal activities such as human trafficking, minors in sex work, assaults, coercion, forced drug use, or any other forms of exploitation and violence.

Decriminalizing sex work does not mean endorsing these criminal acts. On the contrary, it allows us to distinguish between consensual sex work and criminal exploitation, enabling law enforcement to focus their efforts on combating genuine crimes rather than becoming involved in acts between consenting adults where there are no victims. By decriminalizing sex work, we can create a safer environment where sex workers can operate without fear, and where criminal activities are more easily identified and prosecuted. Online platforms such as FreeSexAds.com can be part of the solution by vetting advertisers and customers and cooperating with law enforcement in those instances where criminal activity is indicated.

Brianna Knight, First Amendment Reporter

Brianna Knight is a dedicated and insightful First Amendment reporter and blogger based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Knight is a published author with a passion for writing. She brings a unique perspective to her coverage of news stories affecting sex workers and the adult entertainment industry. She keeps a close watch on free speech laws and the impact of new policies and initiatives on the rights of sex workers and the adult entertainment industry.

Contact Brianna Knight: BriannaKnight@FreeSexAds.com