Sex workers in the United States are experiencing limited access to health-related resources and a safe community due to the criminalization of sex work. Oftentimes, criminalization of sex work can expose sex workers to exploitation and abuse by law enforcements, resulting in most sex workers not going to the authorities in fear that they will be arrested.

The sex industry is often glamorized in the media where the creation of misconceptions and stigma start. Sex workers become vulnerable with no option but to work in secret with high risks of developing addictions, being abused, being stalked and doxed, having unplanned pregnancies and high risks to STI’s and STD’s. 

The effects of stigmatization and criminalization impacts the workers ability to be accepted or reach social services, and fail to have the United States government recognize their job to be non criminal for it may be means of financial distress to abuse. 

We as students from the University of Maryland aim to create a Bill policy proposal to decriminalize sex work means that will then be sponsored and introduced by a senator or representative to the chambers of congress and bring more attention to the issues workers face. 

We aim to also educate the public to call for more community support for these sex workers. We want to further promote the voices of present and past sex workers who have experienced the harm of being criminalized. 

Please sign this petition to stand by the voices of sex workers. To pledge in helping remove the stigma and danger for these workers. As well to get the attention of any senator or representative, showing all groups involved that there are more supporters for this change.