The Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act

The Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act represents a pivotal shift in addressing the complexities of the sex trade, aiming to balance decriminalization for those exploited while holding perpetrators accountable. This legislation seeks to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children, from exploitation and abuse. Survivors need resources and support, not incarceration.

Key Provisions and Benefits

1. Decriminalization of Individuals in Prostitution: The Act proposes decriminalizing those sold in the sex trade, acknowledging them as victims rather than criminals. This approach aims to reduce stigma and encourage survivors to seek assistance without fear of legal repercussions.
2. Accountability for Buyers and Exploiters: While decriminalizing those sold, the Act maintains criminal penalties for buyers, pimps, and brothel owners. This strategy targets the demand driving the sex trade and holds exploiters accountable for their actions.
3. Comprehensive Support Services: The legislation emphasizes providing holistic services, including medical care, mental health resources, education, and economic empowerment programs, to support survivors in rebuilding their lives.
4. Vacatur of Criminal Records: The Act includes provisions to vacate prior prostitution-related convictions for survivors, facilitating their reintegration into society and improving access to employment and housing opportunities.

Support from Victim Advocacy Groups

Numerous organizations have endorsed the Act, recognizing its potential to effect meaningful change:

• National Organization for Women – New York Chapter (NOW-NY): NOW-NY supports the Act, emphasizing that it does not extend legal protections to sex buyers, pimps, or brothel owners, thereby preventing the normalization of exploitation.
• Massachusetts Coalition to End Human Trafficking: This coalition advocates for the Act, highlighting its survivor-led approach and comprehensive measures to reduce commercial sexual exploitation.

Criticisms and Concerns

Despite its intentions, the Act has faced criticism from various quarters:

1. Partial Decriminalization Debate: Some argue that partial decriminalization—decriminalizing those sold while penalizing buyers—may inadvertently harm sex workers by pushing the industry underground, increasing risks, and reducing access to safety resources.
2. Impact on Sex Workers’ Rights: Advocacy groups like the Sex Workers Project of the Urban Justice Center express concerns that the Act could undermine the rights and safety of consensual adult sex workers by perpetuating stigma and limiting their agency.
3. Effectiveness in Reducing Demand: Critics question whether penalizing buyers effectively reduces demand or merely shifts it to less visible and potentially more dangerous venues, complicating efforts to monitor and support those involved.

The Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act embodies a significant effort to reform policies surrounding the sex trade, focusing on decriminalizing victims and holding exploiters accountable. December 17th is International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, which seeks to bring awareness to the crimes against survivors. While this bill is only pending in New York right now, other states should seek to adopt similar laws.