New York State Bill A7670/S4429, to vacate prostitution convictions resulting from coerced involvement in sex work, was passed by the NY State Senate on 15th June 2010.
The 'Vacating Convictions' Bill will allow survivors of trafficking to remove past convictions of prostitution from their records. Prostitution convictions make it difficult for people who have been trafficked to reintegrate into society, as they often find that they have fewer options for legal employment, obstacles to obtaining safe housing, and difficulties getting immigration status. The Bill would only apply to victims of trafficking, and will provide them with a real chance at a safe and stable life.
The Sex Workers Project has issued a press release about the passage of the bill.
Follow this link to read the text of State Senate Bill S04489.
Sign this Change.org petition to send a letter of thanks to your representatives who voted Yes.
Write a letter using these Talking Points or the sample memos below as a starting point, and add the reasons why you support the Bill.
Please address your letter to:
Attorneys, court officials, survivors of trafficking, and the general public need to know about this bill. Here are some recent blog posts and articles to get you started:
Email Sienna Baskin to find out more about the NY campaign and how you can make similar legislation happen in your home state.