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Sent to you by moya via Google Reader:
December 17th is International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. This event was created to call attention to hate crimes committed against sex workers all over the globe. The laws against prostitution are harmful to society. They perpetuate the abuse of otherwise law-abiding citizens, particularly women. They allow people like the Green River killer in Seattle, Washington to rationalize violent and murderous behavior toward prostitutes, especially women. "I wanted to kill as many … as I possibly could. I knew they would not be reported missing right away, and might never be reported. I picked prostitutes because I thought I could kill as many of them as I wanted without getting caught." (Superior Ct. of WA for King Co.; State of Washington vs. Gary Leon Ridgway, Statement of Defendant on Plea of Guilty). Gary Leon Ridgway was sentenced to 48 life terms and was fined $10,000 for each victim on December 18, 2003.
Unequal protection under the law is what allows prostitutes to be pimped, enslaved, beaten, raped and murdered. If decriminalized, sex workers would have access to protection from criminals just like every other citizen. In addition, enormous amounts of public safety revenues are spent enforcing sex "crimes" that occur in private, in which the participants are consenting and there is no victim. -SWOP USAIt's nearly 2010 and this insanity continues. Those with the most power to change this remain silent. If you don't have the ability to show your face and speak out about this on December 17th, I hope you'll make a contribution to the efforts of an organization close to wherever you live that is working to end violence and discrimination against sex workers. Thanks to all those who've already contributed and spoken out, I'm inspired by your courage. xo - Kimberlee
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