SWP engages in policy advocacy at the local, state, federal and international level aimed at securing systemic change grounded in the experiences and concerns of our constituencies. In addition to our experience working with hundreds of sex workers and trafficking clients over the past seven years, we draw on the results of three comprehensive human rights documentation projects conducted by SWP in conjunction with respected scholars in the field to provide decision-makers with unique and critical information and practical recommendations for addressing issues relating to trafficking and sex work.

SWP 2009-2010 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

A number of bills that could change sex workers' lives for better or worse are now before the New York State Legislature. We invite you to join us in reducing the harms to sex workers and people who have been trafficked into sex work by raising awareness of these bills and encouraging legislators to take action to increase opportunities and agency and decrease violence and abuse for people working in the sex trades.

Call or write your state legislators today and ask them to support
SWP's 2009-2010 legislative agenda!

URGENT ACTION

Assembly bill A3856, which would stop police and prosecutors from using possession of condoms as evidence that people engaged – or intended to engage – in prostitution is now on the floor of the assembly. Currently, police and courts can use the fact that a person has or is carrying condoms to prove that they are engaging in criminal activity. Sex workers report that they are more likely to be arrested if they carry condoms, and sex work venues are more likely to be raided if there are condoms on the premises. Police officers regularly confiscate condoms from people they allege are engaged in prostitution to use as evidence against them at trial. As a result people are hesitant to carry condoms to protect themselves and others, for fear that it will lead to arrest or be held against them in court. Sound public health policy would encourage condom use by eliminating the fear that carrying a condom will be used against you by police or in a court of law.

• Send your legislator an e-mail message urging them to vote for A3856!
  Go to: http://ga1.org/campaign/condoms
  or http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/383/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=27463.
• Check out 8 things you can do to help pass this legislation!

GREAT NEWS! On June 16th, 2009 the New York State Assembly passed A7670, which allows for victims of trafficking into sex work to move to vacate prostitution convictions incurred as a result of coerced involvement in the industry.
Read SWP's press release here