Proponents
Argument for Proposition K ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS RELATED
TO PROSTITUTION AND SEX WORKERS
The current system of criminalized prostitution is
not working in San Francisco. It is not working for
PROSTITUTES who work consensually nor for those who
are abused or coerced. As of this date, there have
been no prosecutions for human trafficking in California.
According to the Public Defender's Office "This
initiative would not prohibit local law enforcement
from enforcing federal law to combat the exploitation
of persons who are kidnapped, transported, abused
and held captive by sex traffickers."
MEASURE K WOULD enable sex workers, clients and authorities
to join forces and challenge abuses. In less criminalized
environments, police can also obtain assistance from
clients who are often the first to report trafficking
or other abuses.
The city spends millions of dollars each year on the
revolving door of arrests and operating a shame-based
program. Meanwhile there is a record homicide rate.
This legislation is about sensible law enforcement,
budgeting priorities, and redirecting resources for
sex workers and our families. By focusing on equal
protection, the whole community’s standards
will be improved.
A five year study just released in New Zealand where
decriminalization has been in place since 2003, found
no increase in prostitution, either street or home
based. Although the stigma for sex workers had not
disappeared, coercion was not widespread, and prostitutes
were safer and healthier than before.
This
city has a unique opportunity to once again to take
the lead in advancing civil rights. Please vote YES
on MEASURE K.
Maxine
Doogan , Erotic Service Provider Union
Starchild , Sex Worker Outreach Project, Northern
California
Rachel West , US PROStitutes Collective
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