Press release from The International Union of Sex Workers on Amnesty International’s Decision to Adopt Policy on the Human Rights of Sex Workers 12 August 2015 The IUSW is deeply grateful to Amnesty International for adopting policy to protect the human rights of sex workers. In doing so, Amnesty has listened to hundreds of […]
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We welcome Amnesty International’s Decision to Adopt Policy on the Human Rights of Sex Workers
August 11th, 2015Dr Catherine Hakim researching for the Institute of Economic Affairs
August 7th, 2015Stephen Jardine, Dr. Catherine Hakim & Jan McLeod and Laura Lee talk about decriminalisation of the sex industry on the Stephen Jardine show. Dr Catherine Hakim researching for the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) is calling for the total decriminalisation of the sex industry. Laura Lee a sex worker supporting decriminalisation for the protection of […]
Have YOU told your prospective MP your views on prostitution.
April 7th, 2015In parliament last November, some MPs tried to make it illegal to pay for sex. Campaigners for increased criminalisation have met with senior politicians and will keep up the pressure for increased repression. The Northern Ireland assembly passed a law making it illegal to purchase sex, this comes into affect in June 2015. These well-funded and […]
IUSW Response to the Amnesty International consultation on decriminalising sexwork
April 8th, 2014The IUSW was asked by Amnesty International for our thoughts about decriminalising sex work. We have responded with this document in pdf format Sex Work And Human Rights
Laura Lee, Dr Belinda Brookes-Gordon on Newsnight
February 21st, 2014Laura Lee and Dr Belinda Brookes-Gordon appeared on Newsnight to discuss the impending debate in the European parliament which intends to criminalise the purchases of sex. Dorcas Erskine from Eaves was there to support Mary Honeyball who proposes this bill. It was an infuriating debate with Dorcas Erskine shouting down Belinda when Belinda was given […]
Brooke Magnanti talks at the Oxford Union about the Sex Industry
January 23rd, 2014Brooke Magnanti talks about the sex industry and the rights and freedoms that sex workers do not have due to permissions given by the state. Filmed on Wednesday 4th December 2013.
Police take action against Birmingham brothels.
October 23rd, 2013Cross posted from the English Collective of Prostitutes. Please read and be very afraid of the actions police can take to the detriment of our safety. West Midlands police claim to have “rescued five women believed to be sex trafficking victims” during raids on “suspected brothels” in Birmingham. Closure orders[1] have been used against over […]
West Midlands police clamp down on street workers and clients
June 23rd, 2013The West Midlands are having a clamp down on street sex work. Targeting street walkers and their clients on Hagley Road. Listen to interviews from Catherine Stephens from the International Union of Sex Workers on why the police action will fail, as has police action failed for the last 50 years. Additional interview from Laura […]
Full BBC radio interview with 80 year old client of sex workers
June 23rd, 2013BBC iPM hears from an elderly listener who was faithful for 40 years, struggled with his wife’s death, but now often pays for sex. Presented by Eddie Mair and Jennifer Tracey. This is the full interview, of which highlights were broadcast on the Radio 4 pm program a few days ago. The 80 listener was […]
Sex and the disabled
June 22nd, 2013Laura Lee blogger, sex worker and sexwork rights activist appears on the mainstream UK television program Sex on Wheels. Here she works with a disabled client who has never had sex before. There are two versions of the video, the highlights pertaining to Laura Lee, and the full show where other themes are explored. Laura […]
Rhoda Grant and Margo McDonald argue about criminalising the buyer
June 4th, 2013Rhoda Grant (Labour MSP) who wants to criminalise the buyer, and thus punish sex workers is trying to bring forward a bill in the Scottish Parliament. Here she is arguing her case with Margo McDonald, independent MSP.
Laura Lee and Rhoda Grant on STV discussing the results of Rhoda’s consultation
June 4th, 2013Laura Lee and Rhoda Grant discuss (polite word) the proposed law on criminalising the purchaser of sexual services in Scotland. Rhoda Grant who is proposing the private members bill has just completed the consultation process where 80% of the respondents would want to see the purchaser penalised. (A very biased sample responding, normally in the […]
HARDtalk Dr Brooke Magnanti Scientist and former prostitute
January 29th, 2013BBC Hardtalk with Brooke Magnanti discussing prostitution, Was show a couple of weeks ago. More videos on sexwork and the present Scottish and Irish criminalisation agenda are available on this iuswcollectiveemail channel.
Policing and policy on prostitution during London 2012 Olympics: “Harm Was Done”
December 17th, 2012On this International Day to end violence against sex workers, the IUSW publish a number interviews from sex work projects which show how the policies around the Olympics were a hindrance in protecting sex workers.
The IUSW submission to the Rhoda Grant consultation on prostitution in Scotland
December 14th, 2012An organisational response to the consultation by Rhoda Grant on the Criminalisation of the Purchase of Sex (Scotland) Bill (2) The International Union of Sex Workers December 2012 Policies that solve problems are based in reality and on evidence. The red umbrella is the symbol of the international sex workers’ rights movement. Red for our […]
A letter from an Irish Seworker. please read and publish.
December 12th, 2012Today Ireland’s Justice Committee is to start hearings on prostitution legislation. You can watch online, they are taking place in Committee Room 2 from 2 p.m. G.M.T. onwards. All of the organisations invited are members of anti-sex work coalition Turn Off the Red Light (TORL). TORL initially announced the news of these hearings last month, […]
Initial response by the English Collective of Prostitutes to European Women’s Lobby recommendations. 4 December 2012
December 4th, 2012Posted by the ECP (English Collective of Prostitutes) 1. At a time of economic crisis when poverty among women and children is rising throughout Europe (see EWL own research [1]) and more women, particularly mothers, are working in the sex industry to survive, the EWL chooses to mount an initiative against prostitution. To criminalise prostitute women’s […]
Fiona Walker investigates Scotland’s sex industry
December 3rd, 2012Comparison of Edinburgh’s pragmatic approach to sex worker, to Glasgow’s dangerous zero toleration. Interviews with Laura Lee, Scottish escort and Rhoda Grant the proposer of this dangerous private members bill. http://bbc.in/QeWUph For details of the campaign to stop the criminalisation of the sex industry contact Scot Pep. The campaign page is here http://scot-pep.org.uk/having-voice/scot-pep-campaigns/criminalisation-purchase-sex […]
Magnanti (Belle De Jour), Rhoda Grant argue against and for criminalising sex work clients,
December 3rd, 2012Brooke Magnanti (Belle De Jour) and Rhoda Grant appear on Sunday Politics, arguing the case for criminalising the clients of sex workers. Brief introduction by Fiona, who as a journalist, investigates the sex industry in Scotland. Brief interview with Laura Lee (a Scottish sex-worker) is shown. The full interview is available as a pod cast. […]
Laura Lee and Lord Morrow on BBC Spotlight argue about criminalising clients
November 29th, 2012Lord Morrow would like to criminalise sex workers clients, and impoverish end endanger the vulnerable in society. This BBC Northern Ireland put the the case for and against the criminalisation of sex workers clients. Laura Lee was interviewed for this 30 minute television documentary. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
Lord Morrow and Laura Lee discuss criminalising the purchase of sex on BBC Ulster
November 15th, 2012Today Laura Lee and Lord Morrow appeared on the Nolan show discussing the legislation Lord Morrow is proposing concerning trafficking. Many aspects of Lord Morrows’s legislation on trafficking are welcome, but he falls into the trap of conflating sex work with trafficking. He even starts quoting the UN on sexwork, he should look carefully at […]
Rhoda Grant and Laura Lee on BBC Radio Scotland
November 13th, 2012You can listen to Laura Lee and Rhoda Grant discuss Rhoda Grant’s proposed ban on the purchase of sex in Scotland. The program will be aired on BBC Radio Scotland on December 2nd. Rhoda Grant is proposing a bill which will criminalise the purchase of sex. Her argument is prostitution is violence against women, and that nobody […]
County Antrim escorts speak out on law change
November 13th, 2012In a Northern Ireland media first, escorts working in County Antrim speak to Count Antrim Post reporter Andrew Coffman Smith about proposed changes to prostitution laws, the media’s portrayal of them and the real story behind human-trafficking. Sex sells but if NI peer Lord Morrow has his way, it will be illegal to buy in […]
Lets get to Work
October 20th, 2012Rhoda Grant MSP believes that ‘prostitution in Scotland is a form of sexual violence against women and sexual exploitation.’ She believes that ‘prostitution is inherently harmful and dehumanising’ and that ‘the majority of those who are involved in prostitution are unwilling participants.’ She is proposing to make it illegal to purchase sex in Scotland. Now, […]
In support of Irish sexworkers in their hour of need
October 18th, 2012How To Blog Anonymously (and how not to)
July 23rd, 2012This article of posting anonymously has was written by Brook Magnanti and is posted with her express permission. How To Blog Anonymously (and how not to) Further to yesterday’s post, this is a list of thoughts prompted by a request from Linkmachinego on the topic of being an anonymous writer and blogger. Maybe not exactly a how-to (since […]
Sex for Sale Ban will put lives at risk
June 24th, 2012This article appeared in the Highland News paper. It appeared because there is a proposal to criminalise the purchase of sex, an implementation of the Swedish Law. A high profile call girl who regularly entertains clients in Inverness is warning a local MSP’s bid to outlaw buying sex in Scotland could put the lives of prostitutes in danger. Laura […]
Catherine Stephens, IUSW activist and Douglas Fox appeared on the Charlie Spice show
May 15th, 2012Catherine Stephens talking about Sex Work Politics. Listen into this eRadio show which is a mouth piece for sex workers. Please spread the word and listen here Listen to internet radio with eRadio Broadcast Network on Blog Talk Radio
Free advice and support on Criminal Prosecution for sexworkers through GMB membership
March 7th, 2012FREE ADVICE AND SUPPORT ON CRIMINAL PROSECUTION FROM AWARD WINNING LEGAL FIRM now included as automatic benefit of GMB membership (Branch I50 only) membership just £6.50/month – download a membership form [clicking here downloads a pdf]
Catherine Stephens and Mary Honeyball argue Mary’s proposals.
February 17th, 2014Catherine Stephens sexworker from the IUSW and Mary Honeyball MEP argue the Nordic Model on the 14th February 2014 LBC with Duncan Barkes. Mary proposes that the EU should recommend criminalising the purchase of sex throughout Europe. There is a vote in parliament towards the end of February. The audio of this discussion is here. Audio.mp3
Tags: Nordic Model, sex work, trafficking
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