New Yorkers for the Equality Model is a survivor-led alliance made up of more than 30 advocates, prostitution and sex trafficking survivors, and organizational partners, seeking to implement the Equality Model, decriminalizing only individuals in prostitution, in New York State.
We believe in equality and justice for all. To achieve this vision in New York State, we must address the sex trade, especially prostitution, through a solution that will shrink this exploitative industry and provide resources to those impacted by it.
On January 25, 2021, Senator Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan) and Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter (D-Syracuse) introduced the Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act before both legislative chambers in New York. This law will decriminalize people in prostitution and provide comprehensive services for them, including housing, medical care, trauma-informed counseling, education, job training, and ways to exit the sex trade should they wish to do so. At the same time, the law will hold those who cause harm in prostitution accountable by penalizing sex buyers and continuing to criminalize pimps and traffickers. The legislation was crafted alongside sex trade survivors to ensure that every part of the Act protects and supports people in prostitution. You can read one survivor’s account of working directly on the bill here.
To find more resources and the latest updates, visit our website and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. If you are ready to voice your support for our vision, you can sign a statement endorsing the Equality Model. We are also raising funds for the Survivor Fund. All contributions will go directly to ensuring that survivor leaders are able to be at events speaking with the public and at the table for these important legislative and policy discussions.
With our partners and you, our fellow New Yorkers, we’ll continue fighting for a New York that lives up to its promise of equality for all.
#EqualityModel
