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Better Supporting Women in Sex Work and Pornography

Student’s Name

Institution

Course

Professor’s Name

Date
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Outline for a Speech on Better Supporting Women in Sex Work and Pornography

I. Working thesis: As a policy maker in our state, I believe it is essential to better support

women involved in sex work and pornography. To address this issue, I will outline

current state laws regarding sex work, highlight the conditions and challenges faced by

current sex workers, and propose two to three specific legislation and/or policies to be

passed in our state.

II. Introduction

 Sex work and pornography industries are prevalent in different states.

 Current state laws criminalize sex work leading to increased risks and harm for

those involved (Hoefinger et al., 2019).

 It is crucial to better support individuals involved in the industry, especially

women, who face stigma, discrimination, and violence.

 Providing legal protection, resources, and support can help create a safer and

more just society for all individuals involved in sex work and pornography.

III. Current State Laws

1. Current laws regarding sex work in the state

 Sex work is criminalized and can lead to fines and imprisonment.

 Related activities such as soliciting or promoting sex work are also illegal

(Aroney, 2021).

2. Negative impact of these laws on sex workers

 Lack of legal protection and access to resources such as healthcare and

housing.
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 Stigma and discrimination leads to social isolation and limited job

opportunities (Bowen et al., 2021).

 High risk of violence to sex workers include physical and sexual assault

and murder.

3. Specific examples of enforcement and effects on sex workers

 Police often target and arrest sex workers leading to a criminal record and

difficulty finding other employment (Bowen et al., 2021).

 Raids on brothels or massage parlors can result in workers being arrested

and deported.

 Criminalization hinders efforts to address issues such as trafficking and

exploitation in the sex industry.

IV. Conditions and Challenges Faced by Sex Workers

 Sex workers in the state face a variety of challenges

 Stigma and discrimination.

 Violence, including physical and sexual assault.

 Lack of access to healthcare and other resources.

 These challenges are exacerbated by current state laws that criminalize sex work

and hinder efforts to protect workers and address issues such as trafficking and

exploitation (Bowen et al., 2021).

 Examples of how sex workers are impacted by these challenges daily include:

 Limited job opportunities due to stigma and discrimination

 Fear of reporting violence due to the criminalization of sex work

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 Limited access to healthcare and housing, leading to increased risk of

illness and homelessness

 High risk of arrest and fines for engaging in sex work, perpetuating a cycle

of poverty and victimization.

V. Proposed Legislation and Policies

1. Decriminalization of sex work

 Decriminalizing sex work would ensure that sex workers are not

prosecuted for engaging in their work and allow them to access legal

protection and resources (Aroney, 2021).

 For example, in New Zealand, the decriminalization of sex work

lreducedviolence against sex workers and improved access to healthcare

and other services.

2. Development of support programs for sex workers

 Developing programs and services to support sex workers would address

the lack of resources and legal protection available to sex workers

(Brooks, 2021).

 In Nevada, where some forms of sex work are legal, brothels are required

to provide healthcare and other resources to workers and improve sex

workers’ safety and well-being.

3. Education and resources to prevent exploitation

 Providing education and resources to prevent trafficking and exploitation

in the sex industry would help to address the risks faced by sex workers

(Brooks, 2021).
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 For example, in San Francisco, a program called St. James Infirmary

provides healthcare and resources to sex workers, including education on

HIV prevention and safe sex practices.

VI. Conclusion

 There is a need for better support for sex workers, especially women.

 Current state laws regarding sex work criminalize increase risks and perpetuate

victimization.

 Conditions and challenges faced by sex workers include lack of legal protection,

stigma, and high risk of violence.

 Proposed legislation and policies include decriminalizing sex work, developing

programs and services to support sex workers, and providing education and

resources to prevent exploitation.

 State legislature is called upon to take action and pass the proposal to support sex

workers better better support sex workers and create a safer and more just society.
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References

Aroney, E. (2021). Changing minds and changing laws: How New Zealand sex workers and their

allies shaped Decriminalization New Zealand. Sexuality Research and Social Policy, pp.

1–16.

Bowen, R., Hodsdon, R., Swindells, K., & Blake, C. (2021). Why report? Sex workers who use

NUM Opt out of sharing victimization with police. Sexuality research and social

policy, 18(4), 885-896.

Brooks, S. (2021). Innocent white victims and fallen black girls: Race, sex work, and the limits

of anti–trafficking laws. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 46(2), 513-521.

Hoefinger, H., Musto, J., Macioti, P. G., Fehrenbacher, A. E., Mai, N., Bennachie, C., &

Giametta, C. (2019). Community-based responses to negative health impacts of sexual

humanitarian anti-trafficking policies and the criminalization of sex work and migration

in the US. Social Sciences, 9(1), 1.