New ACLU Report Calls for Full Decriminalization of Sex Work

New ACLU Report Calls for Full Decriminalization of Sex Work

LOS ANGELES — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) released yesterday a comprehensive review of over 80 studies about sex work entitled “Is Sex Work Decriminalization the Answer? What the Research Tells Us.”

The research reviewed by the ACLU shows that full decriminalization has the greatest benefits for public health and safety.

According to a statement by the ACLU, “in addition to finding that decriminalization will improve public health and safety while increasing economic stability for sex workers, the studies reviewed do not indicate a clear link between criminalizing sex work and stopping human trafficking.”

The leading individual rights organization analyzed studies on the three main models of decriminalization:

  • Full decriminalization, which removes all laws and criminal penalties specific to sex work
  • “End-demand” or “Nordic” models that criminalize buying but not selling sex work
  • Legalization models that require sex workers to register or impose other regulations

Time to Listen to Sex Workers

ACLU’s Trans Justice Campaign Manager LaLa Zannell explained that, “right now, millions of people are asking what we can do to reduce abuse by law enforcement, racial disparities in our criminal justice system, and our overall jail and prison populations.”

“One policy that can achieve all of these goals — particularly for Black trans women and immigrants — is to recognize that sex work is work and treat it like any other industry,” said Zannell. “Sex workers have been saying they face significant violence from police and clients for decades and it is time that we all listen to these voices when determining how to improve safety for sex workers.”

ACLU also reports that their offices around the country “have been engaging with local sex worker-led groups to support calls to district attorneys to decline to prosecute sex work related offenses and to repeal state legislation criminalizing sex work.”

The ACLU has also opposed laws at the federal level that prevent sex workers from screening clients online — including the infamous, bipartisan SESTA/FOSTA legislation famously championed  by Kamala Harris and signed into law by Donald Trump — which the research reviewed by the ACLU suggests has increased violence and harassment faced by sex workers.

Recommendations

These are the ACLU’s main recommendations:

  • Lawmakers should fully decriminalize consensual sex work by eliminating all criminal penalties for sellers and buyers
  • Remove all criminal penalties for youth who participate in sex work, but not for adults who exploit youth
  • Decriminalization should include a retroactive component, permitting expungement of criminal records
  • Police officers should eliminate their unwanted presence that targets sex workers and profiles transgender people
  • Reform-minded prosecutors should decline to pursue charges related to consensual sex work. This includes both street-based sex work and laws like SESTA/FOSTA that prevent sex workers from screening clients and discussing safety online
  • Policy makers should listen to what sex workers say is necessary to improve their health and well being which includes divesting from police and investing in community-based health care and housing initiatives

For more information about the ACLU’s campaign to decriminalize sex work, click here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Rocco Siffredi Directs New Rebel Rhyder Showcase

Evil Angel has released Rocco Siffredi’s Rebel Rhyder showcase title, "Rebel Meets Rebel."

JuicyAds Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

JuicyAds has won its World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) case against a website using a similar domain to impersonate the company's site and defraud customers.

Shalina Devine Toplines 'Thr3e #7' From Dorcel

Shalina Devine headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled "Thr3e #7."

Chloe Amour Headlines 'Unfaithful Betrayal 3' From Bellesa Films

Chloe Amour toplines the third volume of “Unfaithful Betrayal” from Bellesa Films.

Misty Addams Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Misty Addams stars with husband Island Boy Brandon and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Pastelle Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Pastelle has made her TransAngels debut alongside Ali Rush in "Royal Sucksession."

A Day With Mike Quasar: Porn, Pets and Wit That Won't Quit

Mike Quasar has been working in the adult industry for 34 years. The highly respected veteran director admits to feeling a little astonished by this fact.

Kelly Holland's Industry Animal Rescue Charity Event 'Vice Is Nice' Returns Saturday

The 13th annual Vice Is Nice event, a long-standing adult industry fundraiser for Animal Rescue Alliance (TARA), will take place Saturday in Chatsworth.

France Reinstates Age Verification Rule for EU Sites

France’s highest court, the Council of State, on Tuesday reinstated age verification rules for EU-based sites under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law, ruling in favor of the French government and against Hammy Media.

Show More