Community in New Orleans coming together to support the rights of sex workers and promote safety.
The New Orleans City Council committee has unanimously voted to advance an ordinance that aims to protect sex workers from prosecution when reporting crimes. This legislation addresses crucial issues like the use of condoms as evidence and seeks to foster a safer environment for victims and witnesses within the sex work community. The full council will vote on the ordinance on May 8, 2023, amid hopes of providing long-term protections for vulnerable populations, especially trans individuals.
New Orleans – In a significant move to protect sex workers, a City Council committee in New Orleans has voted unanimously to advance an ordinance aimed at safeguarding individuals from prosecution and arrest when they report crimes. This ordinance is set to be voted on during the upcoming regular council meeting scheduled for May 8.
At the joint meeting, all four council members present expressed their support, favoring the recommendation of the ordinance to the full council. Introduced by Councilmembers Lesli Harris and Helena Moreno, this legislation seeks to ensure that victims and witnesses of violent crimes within the sex work community can report incidents without the fear of being charged with sex work-related offenses.
The ordinance also tackles the legal implications surrounding condom possession in prostitution cases. If passed, it would prevent the possession of condoms from being used as evidence against individuals accused of prostitution-related crimes. This provision addresses a significant concern among sex workers who fear police harassment, particularly regarding trans women, as highlighted by a Human Rights Watch survey.
The drafting of the ordinance involved consultations with the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). The NOPD had previously established an internal policy aimed at encouraging victims of violent crimes to cooperate with law enforcement, and the ordinance seeks to codify this policy into city law.
One of the anticipated benefits of the ordinance is its provision to prevent victims and witnesses from being arrested when they come forward during criminal investigations. Although prostitution arrests in New Orleans have declined in recent years, the potential for changes in law enforcement priorities necessitates legislative action to ensure ongoing protections for the community.
Advocates for the ordinance, including community members and stakeholders, have expressed optimism regarding its long-term impact, especially for the trans and sex worker community. The executive director of the Trans Income Project noted that the ordinance could create lasting protections for individuals within these vulnerable populations.
However, there are concerns regarding the effectiveness of the ordinance in the face of state law enforcement activities. Troop NOLA, which comprises the Louisiana State Police, operates under state law and could circumvent local protections outlined in the ordinance. A prior agreement allows the state Attorney General’s Office to prosecute individuals arrested by state police in New Orleans, regardless of local legislative efforts.
In Louisiana, the state law imposes significant penalties on individuals convicted of prostitution, including fines and a potential jail sentence, particularly for those with previous convictions. Attorney Lauren Hall, who played a role in drafting the ordinance, clarified that this legislation does not legalize prostitution; rather, it seeks to protect those who need assistance without the threat of criminal consequences.
Importantly, the ordinance includes a clause referred to as “a right to safe sex,” aimed at preventing the use of condom possession as a basis for prosecuting sex work offenses. This is seen as a vital measure to encourage safer practices among sex workers without the fear of legal repercussions.
The initiative for this ordinance draws inspiration from Louisiana’s “Good Samaritan Law,” which protects people who experience drug-related overdoses, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to support individuals seeking help in emergency situations.
Support for the ordinance has been robust in the community, with numerous advocates and individuals voicing their approval during public comment periods at the recent meeting. Advocates, such as representatives from organizations supporting women’s rights, have emphasized the fundamental right for individuals to carry necessary items without fearing police discretion or legal consequences.
As the May 8 vote approaches, the future of this important ordinance remains a focal point for both city officials and community advocates, aiming for a safer and more inclusive environment for sex workers in New Orleans.
New Orleans City Council Appeals Harassment Case Ruling
New Orleans Celebrates 10 Years of Smoke-Free Environments
News Summary Woodside Energy has secured a $17.5 billion investment for its Louisiana LNG project,…
News Summary Woodside has reached a long-term agreement with BP to supply natural gas for…
News Summary In Cameron Parish, Louisiana, five commercial fishermen have been cited for falsifying records…
News Summary The oil and gas sector in Louisiana is experiencing a revival, particularly in…
News Summary New Orleans businesses are concerned about the economic implications of President Trump's recently…
News Summary The New Orleans City Council is increasing its investigation into alleged abuse and…