The South Australian Sex Industry Network (SIN) and Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association are today celebrating the decision of the South Australian Select Committee of the Legislative Council, to recommend the passing of the Statutes Amendment (Decriminalisation of Sex Work) Bill 2015 without amendment.
The Committee’s decision will mean that for South Australian (SA) could lead the world in terms of best practice sex work regulation. The Bill amends various pieces of legislation to decriminalise sex work, to prohibit discrimination against people who are, or have worked as sex workers, to allow for certain convictions to be spent, and to provide sex workers with the same rights and protections as other workers.
The full decriminalisation of sex work as outlined in this Bill, has been recognised as best practice by Amnesty International, the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and the International Labour Organisation, among a growing number of other supporters.
SIN Manager and SA sex worker, Sharon Jennings states, “This is a big win for South Australian sex workers, who have been fighting for decriminalisation of sex work for many years. It is a huge step in recognising that sex work is work, and sex workers are entitled to rights and health and safety in the work place, just like other South Australians.” Acting President of Scarlet Alliance and SA sex worker advocate, Ari Reid agrees, “It is heartening to see that the committee have ruled on the evidence. The evidence is clear. The decriminalisation of sex workers, our workplaces and our clients, ensures the best outcome not only for sex workers but also for government and the wider community.”
Full report available HERE
For media comment contact Sharon Jennings: 0407 725 780