The Case Against 'Full Decriminalization' of Sex Work

A push to decriminalize sex work to better protect workers has gathered support in Albany and from presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Rebecca Zipkin, attorney at Sanctuary for Families and former prosecutor in Brooklyn prosecuting cases of sex trafficking and sex crimes, and Taina Bien Aime, the executive director of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW), argue that it will lead to the flourishing of the sex trade, often at the expense of the workers themselves.

"We believe the equality model… where the people who are bought and sold in the sex trade are decriminalized however they continue to penalize and criminalize the sex buyers… the idea is to drive down demand and drive down sex trafficking," says @rebeccadzipkin.

— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 11, 2019

"We're in the midst of #MeToo where we understand the impact of sexual harassment, dehumanization... but then what we’re saying is that if he gives her $50 for the same form of violation then it’s okay, it’s agency… that doesn’t make any sense," says Taina Bien-Aime (@CATWIntl).

— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 11, 2019