AUGUST 2 2024 (UPDATED ON AUGUST 29, 2024)
In early August, City Councilmember Moore introduced legislation that would reinstate the previously repealed “prostitution loitering” law and establish a new “Stay Out of Area Prostitution” (SOAP) zone along Aurora Ave N.
Given our concern that this bill will criminalize victims and survivors of gender-based violence and create barriers to support, we quickly mobilized our community, worked in collaboration with member programs and community groups, and took the lead on drafting a sign-on letter that generated the support of over 55 organizations and individuals!
We also engaged with City Councilmembers directly to share our belief that people in the sex trades who experience violence need to be able to access services and support not to be arrested, criminalized, or banned from parts of the city.
If you’d like to learn more about this bill or get involved in CEGV’s policy efforts, see below for more info!
Next Steps:
This bill will be discussed at the next Public Safety Committee Meeting on September 10th at 9:30am
Interested in getting more involved in this issue? Email Amarinthia@endgv.org for more info on how to plug in.