Legislative Frameworks in Response to the Sex Industry: Survivor Leaders for the Equality Model
Kylee Gregg, LSW & Cristian Eduardo | September 22 | 1:45-2:45 pm
Topic: Conceptual, Legal | Knowledge Level: Beginner
Every social justice movement is made up of individuals - individuals with their own unique lived experiences, belief systems, politics, and feelings. No matter how strong the shared goal may be, differences of opinion, disagreements, mistakes, growth, and change are inevitable experiences in collaborative work with other human beings. The anti-human trafficking movement is no different. One especially relevant topic within the anti-human trafficking movement, with specific focus on the sex industry, is the legislative framework. What, if any, aspects of the sex trade should be legal? What, if any, punitive measures should be taken against perpetrators? What rights do individuals have, or should be entitled to? How do we empower victims and survivors of human trafficking rather than further marginalize them? Cristian Eduardo and Kylee Gregg will present a review of different legislative frameworks from their perspectives as survivor leaders and experienced professionals. Three main frameworks will be discussed: full criminalization (also referred to as: “criminalization”), full decriminalization (also referred to as: “legalization,” “sex work”), and partial decriminalization (also referred to as: “the Nordic Model,” “the Equality Model,” “the Swedish Model”). For each of these frameworks, this presentation will review foundational perspectives and theories, methods and nuances of implementation, language and vocabulary utilized, accounts from survivors and other professionals, research data, and theorized and actualized successes and failures of legislation. This presentation will provide focus on, and argument in favor of, the legislative framework of partial decriminalization.
Presentation Objectives:
· Provide an overview of three main legislative frameworks responding to the sex industry
· Provide argument in favor of the Equality Model framework
· Discuss ways to engage in legislative action and organizing