On September 15, 2025 at the Soho Debate Forum in New York City, survivor leader and CATW’s Chief Outreach and Advocacy Officer, Melanie Thompson, debated Kaytlin Bailey, the founder of Old Pros, on the question: Should paying for sex be a crime? 

“My vision for the world is simple. I want everyone’s sexual experiences to be rooted in reciprocity, mutuality, and respect. And I want to be clear here – there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having sex or wanting it – even if it’s just casual. But when you pay for sex, that money manufactures a willing participant and the illusion of desire. The presence of money summons up the presence of a person who only tolerates sex with you because of that money. You cannot commodify sex without commodifying another human being. You can’t separate the two,” Melanie said in her closing remarks.

You can watch the full debate here.