In a significant step towards improving the safety and rights of sex workers, the Queensland government has introduced legislation to decriminalize sex work. The proposed laws aim to repeal outdated regulations that have hindered the industry's ability to operate safely and legally.
Under current legislation, sex workers face numerous restrictions, including prohibitions on working together or hiring security. The new laws would eliminate these barriers, allowing workers to implement safety measures that are currently criminalized.
Advocates have long criticized Queensland's sex work laws as outdated and harmful. The strict regulations, a legacy of the 1989 Fitzgerald Inquiry, have forced many sex workers to operate outside the law, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and violence.
The proposed reforms are expected to bring Queensland in line with other states, such as Victoria, that have already decriminalized sex work. While some, like the Australian Christian Lobby, oppose the changes, supporters argue that decriminalization is a crucial step towards protecting sex workers and ensuring a safer industry.