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Ariela Moscowitz, director of communications
Ariela@DSWork.org | (212) 368-7874
Advocates Gather at Capitol to Urge Lawmakers to Protect Sex Workers and Survivors of Trafficking
(Albany, NY) February 25, 2024 — Today, advocates, survivors of trafficking, and consensual adult sex workers gathered to urge the New York State Legislature to pass S.3967 (Sepulveda) / A01029 (Kelles), an act to amend the penal law, in relation to individuals engaged in prostitution who are victims of or witnesses to a crime.
This common sense legislation would encourage sex workers and trafficking survivors who are crime victims and witnesses to report their experience to law enforcement, receive medical care, and seek help. People involved in commercial sexual activity, whether by choice or because they are being trafficked, are often targeted by predators who know they are unlikely to report victimization or seek medical attention for fear of their own arrest. When abusers are not reported to law enforcement, they are able to continue their acts of violence and exploitation with impunity. The bill has bipartisan support. Nine states have passed similar immunity laws in recent years, and several other states introduced legislation this year.
“I believe this legislation is crucial for protecting those who may be victims of serious crimes. Far too often, people involved in prostitution—many of whom are forced into it or taken advantage of — are too afraid to come forward when they experience or witness violence. By offering immunity in these situations, we’re making sure they can speak up without fear of prosecution, allowing law enforcement to go after the individuals who threaten public safety. When victims stay silent out of fear, the harm doesn’t just affect them; it also affects their families and communities. Their loved ones, whether children, parents, or siblings, also suffer the consequences. This bill is about ensuring that no one, no matter their circumstances, feels trapped in fear when seeking justice,” said Senate bill sponsor, Senator Luis Sepúlveda (D-Bronx).
“Immunity laws like the Sex Worker Immunity Act are crucial to public safety because they support victims and witnesses to come forward without fear of prosecution. By removing the barrier to sex workers reporting experiencing or witnessing a crime, law enforcement can gather vital information to solve crimes, uncover key evidence, and hold perpetrators accountable, ultimately preventing further harm to the entire community. This proactive approach strengthens communities by ensuring that crimes are addressed and justice is served,” said Assemblymember Dr. Anna Kelles (D-2nd District).
“I wanted to tell law enforcement that I was being trafficked when my trafficker and I were pulled over one time, but I was too scared that I would be arrested for prostitution. Because I couldn’t speak, my nightmare was prolonged and my trafficker remained on the streets,” said Laura Mullen, Survivor Advisory Board President, ECLI-Vibes.
“An Immunity law would have allowed sex workers who had information on the Gilgo Beach Serial Killer to come forward and work with law enforcement. Had sex workers been allowed to come forward, Rex Huermann might have been arrested years ago. This legislation ultimately benefits everyone as it equips law enforcement with the information they need to keep communities safe,” said Melissa Broudo, co-director of the Sharmus Outlaw Advocacy and Rights (SOAR) Institute and longtime advocate and attorney for sex workers and trafficking survivors.
“Immunity legislation is gaining momentum nationwide, receiving strong bipartisan support through the collective efforts of activists, survivors, lawmakers, and law enforcement. By preventing perpetrators of violence from repeatedly exploiting their victims’ vulnerabilities and empowering survivors to seek help without fear of retribution, immunity laws represent a logical and necessary step forward to ensure public health and safety,” said Staff Attorney at Decriminalize Sex Work (DSW), Rebecca Cleary.
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Immunity NY is a coalition of organizations dedicated to reducing harm and increasing safety by passing S.3967 (Sepulveda) / A01029 (Kelles). Allowing adult consensual sex workers and survivors of human trafficking who are victims or witnesses of crime to report their experience to law enforcement and healthcare providers without fear of prosecution for prostitution is good public health and criminal justice policy. Immunity laws benefit all communities by allowing law enforcement to better detect criminal activity.