Assembly bill A03856, which would stop police and prosecutors from using possession of condoms as evidence that people engaged - or intended to engage - in prostitution is now on the floor of the New York State Assembly. Currently, police and courts can use the fact that a person has or is carrying condoms to prove that they are engaging in criminal activity. Sex workers report that they are more likely to be arrested if they carry condoms, and sex work venues are more likely to be raided if there are condoms on the premises. Police officers regularly confiscate condoms from people they allege are engaged in prostitution to use as evidence against them at trial. As a result people are hesitant to carry condoms to protect themselves and others, for fear that it will lead to arrest or be held against them in court. Sound public health policy would encourage condom use by eliminating the fear that carrying a condom will be used against you by police or in a court of law.
If you live in New York state, please contact your legislator to urge them to vote FOR Assembly Bill A03856. You can use one of the links in the Links section to send an email to your legislator.
Sign the petition at iPetitions.
Download our list of eight things you can do to support the bill and share it with your friends.