It's Time to Decriminalize Sex Work
![A collage of a palm of the hand, an open wallet, and cops over a transgender flag in the background.](https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2020/10/SexWorkerDecrim-2800x1400-1.png)
It's Time to Decriminalize Sex Work
The criminalization of sex work makes sex workers more vulnerable to violence on the job and less likely to report violence. It prevents sex workers from accessing health care and other critical services, feeds an out of control mass incarceration system, and further marginalizes some of society’s most vulnerable groups, such as trans women of color and immigrants.
Sex workers deserve the same legal protections as anybody else. They should be able to maintain their livelihood without fear of violence or arrest, access health care and other services without discrimination, and seek justice when they are harmed. Decriminalization would help bring sex workers out of the dangerous margins and into the light where people are protected — not targeted — by the law.
For key findings on the impacts of sex work criminalization and decriminalization models, read the full brief, “Is Sex Work Decriminalization the Answer? What the Research Tells Us.”
Last updated on July 3, 2023
What does decriminalization mean?
Decriminalization refers to the removal of criminal penalties for the buying and selling of sexual acts, specifically those categorized as prostitution. Decriminalization is not the same as legalization.
Legalization removes criminal penalties for certain incidents of buying and selling of sexual acts, i.e. prostitution, provided the participants comply with relevant regulations.
Decriminalize Sex Work, Protect Black Trans Lives
![Black trans woman with long hair against dark background](https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2020/11/Kaniya-Header-2.jpg)
At least 37 trans people were murdered this year for being who they are. Most were trans women of color, and many were sex workers. Former sex worker and activist Kaniya Walker shares how her experience as a trans woman of color made her an advocate for decriminalization.
Podcast: The Movement to Decriminalize Sex Work
![Photo of LaLa Zannell, the ACLU's Trans Justice Campaign Manager](https://assets.aclu.org/live/uploads/2020/10/LaLa-Zannell-Full-Bleed.jpg)
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Advocating for sex work decriminalization means advocating for personal autonomy, LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, decarceration, immigrants’ rights, racial justice, and equal access to the right to life and security. In addition to decriminalization, there are other steps that lawmakers, advocates, prosecutors, and researchers can take to protect the rights of sex workers.