Amnesty International voted Aug. 11 to support the health and human rights of sex workers by adopting a resolution that calls for all countries to decriminalize sex work.
The policy—which drew high-profile criticism from a range of celebrities, organizations and governments—occurred during Amnesty’s International Council Meeting in Dublin. Professor Sofia Gruskin, along with experts experienced in researching regulation and criminalization of sexuality through criminal law, published an evidence-based scholars letter [PDF] supporting Amnesty’s resolution.
The policy, which was based on open consultation with stakeholders—including sex workers—received support from a global petition of more than 10,000 signatures and from international organizations including UNAIDS, the Astrea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, The Lancet and more.
