Nat'l LGBTQ Task Force Calls for Decriminalization of Sex Work

Washington, DC, December 17, 2015 -- The National LGBTQ Task Force is renewing its call to end the criminalization of sex work in the U.S. as it joins advocates across the country in taking part in actions in observance of the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers. Today, to mark the day of action, the organization has published a Sex Worker Policy Recommendations guide for local and state advocates and lawmakers.

"Transgender women of color face devastating amounts of violence, and the criminalization of sex work leaves them even more vulnerable. This year alone, at least 12 transgender women and gender non-conforming people who engaged in sex work were murdered in the U.S. -- together, these women comprised 29 percent of U.S. sex worker homicide victims. We can and must do more to end this epidemic of violence. Today, as we join advocates calling for an end to violence against sex workers, we have published a guide that provides policy recommendations including the decriminalization of sex work," said Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan, Trans/Gender Non-Conforming Justice Project Director at the National LGBTQ Task Force.

Last year, the National LGBTQ Task Force launched #StopTransMurders, a public education campaign to raise the voices of transgender activists and allies working to end anti-transgender violence. Additionally, the organization has been working with the President's Administration, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to advance basic rights and protections for transgender people.

Most recently, the National LGBTQ Task Force met with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to push for an accurate and timely reporting on hate crimes, and the DOJ's Civil Rights Division to raise awareness of many issues affecting transgender people such as violence, employment, education, and discrimination.

To learn more about the National LGBTQ Task Force's work and to find events today for International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, please visit: www.StopTransMurders.org