Sex Workers To Hold Rally To Ask Gov. Brown To Discuss Decriminalization

SAN FRANCISCO—Sex workers from all over California are taking their 24,000+ signature petition to Sacramento and asking Gov. Jerry Brown to discuss the decriminalization of sex work and ending discrimination against sex workers. Over the past few years, US lawmakers have passed a great deal of legislation about sex work, noted the Erotic Service Providers Union, yet while they talk with lobbyists and anti-sex abolitionists, they never consult with sex workers, despite sex workers being best informed and most affected by any such legislation. In almost no other area of civic life are the people affected by legislation so ignored in its formation. "Sex workers have had enough," the Union said in a statement to media. "We are Californians—from all walks of life, mothers, young people, of different races, taxpayers. So on November 15, we will be taking a petition with more than 24,000 signatures to the State Capitol in Sacramento asking that Governor Jerry Brown meet with us to hear our views on why decriminalization is the only approach that protects sex workers’ safety and human rights, and to hear our suggestions for concrete legislative steps that would reduce stigma and discrimination against sex workers. “Governor Jerry Brown represents all Californians—even us sex workers,” said Maxine Doogan of the Erotic Service Providers Union. “And I am sure he will be happy to meet with us.” Taking part in the rally at the capitol will be a variety of sex worker organizations including the Erotic Service Providers Union (ESPU) and the US PROStitutes Collective. The rally will take place on the north side of California State Capitol building, near the intersection of L St. and 11th St., in Sacramento, CA 98514, beginning at 10:30 a.m., on November 15, 2016. All those who are interested in seeing sex work decriminalized in California are invited to attend.