

Novara FM: Protect or Punish? The Stakes of Sex Worker Activism w/ Laura Watson
10 snips Nov 28, 2024
Laura Watson, spokeswoman for the English Collective of Prostitutes and a long-time advocate for sex worker rights in the UK, shares her insights on the complexities of sex work activism. She tackles the harsh realities faced by sex workers due to punitive laws, emphasizing that many engage in sex work out of necessity rather than choice. The conversation highlights the need for decriminalization, the impact of police violence, and how systemic issues like poverty and migration status intertwine with sex work, pushing for a nuanced approach to support and protect vulnerable workers.
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ECP's Origins and King's Cross Occupation
- The ECP was founded in 1975, inspired by migrant sex workers in France protesting police abuse.
- The ECP occupied a church in Kings Cross in 1982 to protest police harassment and threats.
Legal Grey Area of Sex Work
- In the UK, buying and selling sex is legal, but related activities like soliciting or working together are illegal.
- This legal grey area criminalizes sex workers for actions they take to stay safe.
Brothel Keeping and Collaboration
- The term "brothel keeping" often targets sex workers working together for safety, not necessarily abusive pimps.
- Laws are not designed to address abuse but criminalize collaboration and safety measures.