Sex Workers' Legal Resources

First Amendment and Adult Entertainment Law

End Demand Fact Sheet
A coalition of advocates and sex worker rights organizations have produced materials critiquing "end demand" style programming. Proponents of "end demand" style programming such as "John's Schools" or increased arrest of clients of prostitution, claim that the measures only punish the men who purchase sex and protect women who sell sex. However, programs working with sex workers across the United States have found that intensive "end demand" programs increase law enforcement activities against all people in public space. Furthermore, these programs allow conservatives to channel hard won social service funding into policing efforts. This downloadable fact sheet cites research that illustrates the real results of "end demand" programming.

The Sex Workers Project
Created in December 2001, the Sex Workers Project is the first program in New York City and in the country to focus on the provision of legal services, legal training, documentation, and policy advocacy for sex workers. Using a harm reduction and human rights model, the SWP protects the rights and safety of sex workers who by choice, circumstance, or coercion remain in the industry.
http://www.sexworkersproject.org

Model Decriminalization Legislation (from PENET)
PENET Editor's Note: This was proposed legislation, not yet adopted in South Australia. This is submitted as model legislation which decriminalizes and regulates the industry. In Australia there is a precedent for this legislation. For example, The Prostitution ACT of 1992 (currently in effect) from the Australian Capital Territories contains some of these provisions, but is not a complete model for decriminalization. Please note that a number of the regulations below contradict some sex workers' rights agendas. These are explained in the editor's notes linked to this text [on PENET].

Desiree Alliance is a coalition of sex workers, health professionals, social scientists, professional sex educators and their supporting networks. We seek to encourage a better understanding of human sexuality by promoting ethical and unbiased research into sexual subcultures; to promote saner and more sensible approaches to policies relating to adult sexual health and behavior. We use this information to educate and empower the public to have healthy and rational attitudes about sexuality.

Desiree Alliance is a Project of Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs (SEE), a 501(c)(3) non-profit.