This briefing paper from Scarlet Alliance provides the definitive definition for sex work decriminalization.
The FULL decriminalization of sex work-specific criminal and licensing laws AND police powers for ALL sex workers, including sex workers from marginalized groups.
Read the full briefing paper here
This report documents the impacts of COVID-19 on sex workers in Australia and the extensive mobilisation of sex workers and sex worker peer organisations to provide support to a community in crisis. It details the shortfalls of state, territory and federal responses to the pandemic and identifies how sex work criminalisation, stigma and discrimination have both informed and been intensified in those processes. These shortfalls conclude the need for a drastic change of approach to the treatment of sex work and sex workers in the context of COVID-19. you can read the whole report here
The WA Court of Appeal have accepted the appeal made by CJ Palmer against her sentence, in a unanimous ruling on the basis that the sentence delivered on 16/02/18 was manifestly excessive.
Lena Van Hale, Manager of the WA sex worker support project Magenta states, “We applaud the decision from the WA Court of Appeal to reduce CJ Palmer’s sentence to 4 years. There is more evidence than ever before that punitive laws criminalising HIV transmission are harmful to public health. While our laws do not yet recognise international best practise in this space. In recognising the original sentence as manifestly excessive the WA court of appeal take the first step toward undoing that harm.”
Evidence shows that criminalisation in these cases is detrimental to public health. Criminalisation of non-intentional HIV transmission reduces rates of testing, does not reduce HIV transmissions, and undermines effective health promotion.
“We are happy for CJ and her family to hear this decision from the Court of Appeal today. We hope that CJ’s remaining time in the criminal justice system is free from the harmful coverage and discrimination that surrounded her incarceration”
Throughout her trial advocates called for courts and policy-makers to reject the application of criminal law in cases of alleged non-intentional HIV transmission, in line with Australia’s existing Guidelines for the Management of People with HIV who Place Others at Risk, and in line with UNAIDS guidance around management of HIV transmission.
From 1 August 2013 it will be unlawful under federal law to discriminate against a person on the grounds of their:
Same-sex couples are now also protected from discrimination under the new definition of ‘marital or relationship status’ (this was previously ‘marital status’).
The Sex Discrimination Amendment (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status) Act 2013 (Cth) (SDA Amendment Act) inserts the new grounds into the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) (SDA).
Most states and territories have some form of protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. However, the SDA Amendment Act introduces more inclusive definitions and addresses gaps such as a lack of coverage for acts or practices of the federal government. It also qualifies the exemptions for religious organisations to the effect that it does not apply to conduct connected with the provision of Commonwealth-funded aged care services. It also includes the new ground of intersex status which is not covered by any other law.
The steps to a new law (including changing an existing law);