Looking Beyond Binaries: The Case for Partial Decriminalization of the Sex Trade

US News | 02/10/21

Ending criminal penalties for sex workers is long overdue, but it’s crucial to guard against exploitation as well.

New York bill would decriminalize people in prostitution, punish pimps and buyers

CBS News | 01/26/21

The Sex Trade Survivors Justice & Equality Act, introduced by Senator Liz Krueger, a Manhattan Democrat, with input from survivors and their advocates, would decriminalize prostitution in New York while holding pimps, sex traffickers and buyers accountable.

Bill to decriminalize sex work proposed in Albany

PIX 11 | 01/25/21

Prostitution will be decriminalized in New York state if a bill proposed by State Sen. Liz Krueger becomes law. Her proposal was hailed by Melanie Thompson, a survivor of sex trafficking and NY4EM member.

New bill would decriminalize, support sex workers in New York

New York Post | 01/25/2021

New Yorkers for the Equality Model introduces a new bill that would decriminalize sex work in New York — while still holding pimps and buyers accountable.

Keep punishing sex trafficking, N.Y.

NY Post | 12/15/2020

NYFEM members Rebecca Zipkin & Sonia Ossorio discuss the dangers of decriminalizing the sex trade in New York City.

The Ms. Q&A: Actor-Activist Vanessa Marano on Shifting the Trafficking Narrative to Survivors

Ms. Magazine | 11/28/2020

Ms. reporter Corinne Ahrens sat down with actor-activist Vanessa Marano to unpack what the sisters are doing to re-center survivors’ stories, as well as acknowledging the work that still desperately needs to be done.

‘It’s Out Of Control’: How QAnon Undermines Legitimate Anti-Trafficking Efforts

HuffPost | 09/13/2020

The child sex trade is a global crisis. Far-right conspiracy theorists are harassing, distracting and intimidating the organizations fighting to end it.

“Anybody can be a human trafficker.” Taina Bien-Aimé, Executive Director of CATW, on sexual exploitation, QAnon and the dangers of conspiracy theories

The Millennial Source | 09/06/20

In a wide-ranging phone interview, Bien-Aimé talks with TMS on topics related to her work, from QAnon and the impact of conspiracy theories on the cause, to the way sexual exploitation and its ripple effects are often misunderstood by society.

QAnon Followers Are Hijacking the #SaveTheChildren Movement

The New York Times | 08/12/2020

Fans of the pro-Trump conspiracy theory are clogging anti-trafficking hotlines, infiltrating Facebook groups and raising false fears about child exploitation.

PODCAST: The Heartbreaking Realities of Human Trafficking

NSL Double Talk | 07/01/2020

Alexi Ashe Meyers, human rights attorney, and Melanie Thompson, a speaker and activist in ending global sex and human trafficking, discuss the untold stories of trafficking victims and what’s being done today to stop this modern-day slavery.

Mainstreaming Pimpland in the NYC Subway System

Women's eNews | 04/05/20

14 NYC-based groups, mostly direct service providers, survivor-led groups, and women’s rights organizations, challenged the MTA for accepting advertising that violates its own internal rules prohibiting the promotion of illegal goods and activities, political messages or “sexually oriented business.”

MTA slammed for promoting ‘Sex Workers Pop-Up’ ad

NY Post | 03/16/20

The MTA displayed a series of advertisements promoting a “Sex Workers Pop-up” exhibit — breaking their own rules against “sexually oriented” ads and angering sex trafficking survivors who said they’re green-lighting an industry that’s inherently harmful.

Should sex work be decriminalized? It’s become a political issue

TODAY | 01/30/20

A group is pushing to decriminalize buying and selling sex and managing people for prostitution, but others in the sex trade community are saying it’s a terrible idea. The issue has made its way to the 2020 campaign trail. NBC senior national correspondent Kate Snow reports on TODAY.

Opponents of sex work decriminalization launch 2020 legislative fight

Queens Daily Eagle | 11/26/19

Opponents of the decriminalization of the adult sex trade gathered to celebrate the launch of a new coalition and legislative campaign they say will protect vulnerable people in the sex trades and hold those who purchase sex and human traffickers to account.

Decriminalizing the Sex Trade Isn't the Answer—The Equality Model Is

Marie Claire | 11/25/19

Legalizing prostitution legalizes pimping and sex buying, too. There is a better way.

Understanding the Sex Trade with Sarah Jones and Alexi Ashe Meyers

Amy Schumer | 11/25/19

The gang tackles the complicated questions around sex trafficking and the legalization of prostitution. They talk about the Equality Model with survivors. And everyone holds their breath while Keith speaks.

Work In Progress: Alexi Ashe Meyers

Sophia Bush | 11/25/19

Alexi sits down with Sophia to discuss the bills to decriminalize prostitution which are popping up throughout the country, explain the Equality Model and why it's a better solution to support people in the sex trade, and share more insight.

NYC could be next prostitution hub if legalized: trafficking survivors

New York Post | 11/19/19

Trafficking survivors spoke at an event in Manhattan where they detailed the “horrific” experience of being sold across the country, including in New York, and how the Big Apple is destined to be the next prostitution “hub” if the act is legalized.

Inside The Campaign to End Gender-Based Violence

Wake-Up Call | 11/18/19

Alexi Ashe Meyers chats “Lobby Baby” and the Equality Model

Activists want 2020 candidates to clarify support for decriminalizing sex work

The Hill | 10/14/19

Activists and survivors of sex trafficking are calling on 2020 Democratic presidential candidates to clarify their potential support for decriminalizing sex work, arguing that across-the-board policies could have unintended consequences.

D.C. bill would empower pimps and brothel owners — not women

Washington Post | 10/10/19

OPINION: Our nation’s capital is on the brink of giving sexual predators more power, stamping legal some of the most misogynistic, exploitative conduct. And one thing’s for sure, this bill won’t keep anyone healthy or safe.

Prostitution Is on the Verge of Being Legalized — These Women Want it to Stop

InStyle | 09/12/19

As bills to decriminalize prostitution continue popping up across the country, these advocates say there’s a better way to support people in the sex trade.

D.C.’s bill to decriminalize prostitution would hurt the people it aims to help

Washington Post | 09/02/19

Editorial Board: Decriminalizing prostitution has become a priority for the progressive movement, and the movement is slowly picking up steam across the country. But council members would do well to look beyond the progressive label that has been attached to decriminalization.

D.C.’s bill to decriminalize prostitution has a big blind spot

Washington Post | 08/30/19

Is it acceptable to residents of the District that their government might decriminalize the sale of the bodies of women and men, many of them transgender, to satisfy male desires?

There’s a way to decriminalize prostitution without putting women at risk

Washington Post | 08/02/19

It’s necessary and long overdue to decriminalize individuals in the sex trade who represent some of the most marginalized members of our community. But offering legal protection to those who exploit them is a misguided and dangerous policy that threatens to turn the District into a sex tourist destination and harm the very communities the bill aims to protect.

DC Council Bill Would Turn Our Nation’s Capital Into a Capital for Sex Tourism and Trafficking

Washingtonian | 07/16/19

The DC Council is considering a bill that would decriminalize the commercial sex trade in the District, enabling the abuse and trauma of more young women and girls.

Taina Bien-Aimé on Jeffrey Epstein’s Arrest, Alex Acosta, Fighting Sexual Trafficking and More

Democracy NOW | 07/12/19

Taina Bien-Aimé, executive director of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, discusses the recent arrest of Jeffrey Epstein and how it is related to her efforts to end sexual trafficking.

The Case Against 'Full Decriminalization' of Sex Work

WNYC | 07/11/19

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 full decriminalization will lead to the flourishing of the sex trade, often at the expense of the workers themselves.

Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes remind us of how millions of women are exploited in the sex industry

NY Daily News | 07/11/19

Epstein’s crimes are sweeping and flagrant, but not drastically different from what commercial sexual exploitation looks like every single day in cities across America.

Survivors Say No Full Decriminalization of Prostitution

WorldWE | 06/25/19

An open letter from Survivors of Prostitution and Trafficking

A big mistake on sex work: Reformers would let buyers, pimps and promoters escape criminal consequences

NY Daily News | 06/05/19

Advocates in New York are pushing for the full decriminalization of prostitution. If successful, people would no longer be arrested or prosecuted for selling, purchasing or facilitating (pimping) the sale of sex. 

Sex-trade survivor: Don’t legalize prostitution in New York

New York Post | 06/02/19

State lawmakers pushing to legalize prostitution may want to think twice.

Opinion: Legalizing Prostitution in NYS Would Ignore its True Costs

CityLimits | 05/31/19

We need a legislative model shown to reduce the commercial sex market, increase safety, provide services for survivors, and hold men accountable for the crimes they commit. 

Could Prostitution Be Next to Be Decriminalized?

The New York Times | 05/31/19

Presidential candidates and state lawmakers are all debating whether to remove penalties for prostitution, a proposal that used to be taboo in most political circles.

Gloria Steinem and Advocates Applaud NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson for His Commitment to Criminal Justice Reform

Sanctuary for Families | 05/20/19

Speaker Johnson’s Call for the Equality Model is the right step to protect and promote the well-being of those who are sex trafficked and individuals in the sex trade while holding accountable those who harm them.