The United States is yet to make substantial progress on the legalisation of sex work. Despite the fact that some states are trying to introduce reforms to protect sex workers, there has been a lot of resistance and criticism around the idea of legalising it.
The debate around this issue has grown as public awareness on sex workers' rights has increased in recent years. This has highlighted how criminalising sex work can lead to exploitation, lack of safety for people involved in this industry, eroding their basic human rights such as access to labour protections and health services.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for government institutions to take deliberate steps towards legalising sex work in order to bring the necessary protection and recognition for these individuals.
Different legal frameworks exist that are meant to protect sex workers. These include the United States' Model Penal Code, and other laws promoting sex work with labour protections such as Sweden's Sex Purchase Law. There is also a growing international trend towards the decriminalisation of sex work.
This can be seen in countries such as Argentina, Canada and New Zealand (where prostitution is legal).
The effort to remove criminal penalties related to sex work is an important mission for advocates, who are fighting for the rights and safety of one of the most marginalized populations in the world. Sex workers face a wide range of human rights violations such as police brutality, lack of access to healthcare, and limited job opportunities due to the many laws that criminalize their profession. Removing criminal penalties related to sex work could provide greater protection for these individuals and help reduce the stigma associated with their profession.
Such legislation would allow people engaged in sex work to live free from discrimination while advancing equality among those who may be considered “outliers” in our current social norms. A key component of this effort is guaranteeing access to public health services for all sex workers, which would have a significant impact on reducing infection rates amongst this population as well as making it easier for them to exercise their right to protect their sexual health. Additionally, full decriminalization of black pornstars galleries would open up avenues that would enable sex workers themselves a platform on which they can fight prejudice against them by speaking up against abuse and discrimination.
While allowing sex work to be legally undertaken without fear of criminal sanctions is a key objective for advocates, the legislation must also place limits on practices that perpetuate the exploitation of vulnerable populations. Provisions should be included mandating that sex workers are protected from practices such as debt bondage and trafficking as well as ensuring consent during all sexual encounters. The legislation will not only benefit sex workers, but all individuals in Massachusetts who are affected by discriminatory law enforcement practices. Harsher punishments for sex workers and clients will likely lead to decreased crime rates and increased access to justice for all communities. The decriminalization of consensual sex work will also provide a safer environment for vulnerable populations including minors and victims of human trafficking.
Violence against these populations will be reduced as a result of increased visibility, access to resources, legal recourse, and opportunities they have under decriminalization initiatives that provide support for victims, such as improved healthcare services and employment opportunities.
