The article delves into the enduringly stagnant legal landscape surrounding sex work in Britain, which has remained largely unchanged since the Victorian era. Despite societal evolution, the control mechanisms over those in the industry persist, reminiscent of historical repression. While the act of exchanging money for sexual services remains legal, all associated practices are criminalized, effectively isolating sex workers and pushing them into vulnerable positions without protection or support networks. The punitive fines and prison sentences associated with prostitution convictions perpetuate cycles of debt, hindering individuals from leaving the profession.
Calls for legalization, often inspired by models in countries like the Netherlands, Nevada, and Germany, are criticized for perpetuating exploitative systems rather than offering genuine protection to sex workers. The English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP) opposes legalization, advocating instead for decriminalization akin to New Zealand's model. Decriminalization removes state regulation, granting sex workers greater independence and freedom to work safely without fear of legal repercussions. New Zealand's approach, which removed legal restrictions on sex work while prioritizing worker rights and safety, has been hailed as successful by global sex worker organizations.
The article emphasizes the importance of listening to the voices of sex workers themselves rather than relying on uninformed policymakers. It argues that prostitution often serves as a means to escape poverty, and empowering sex workers with agency over their work and livelihoods is essential for their well-being. By allowing sex workers to operate safely and without legal restrictions, they can eventually transition out of the industry and pursue other opportunities. Thus, the article concludes that legalization is not the solution for the sex worker population in the United Kingdom or elsewhere; instead, granting them autonomy and control over their work is paramount.