On a busy sidewalk in San Francisco’s Polk Street neighborhood on May 20, about 25 people took part in a “Stand-In” to protest the arrests of sex workers and “Sit/Lie” – a proposed bill to make it illegal to sit or lie on the sidewalk between 7am and 11pm under threat of a fine and jail. […]
Preventing sex workers operating together makes them more vulnerable to attack – we need a more pragmatic approachThe laws governing sex for sale are clear – it is legal for one person to sell sex to another as long as elements including soliciting, trafficking, coercion and under-18s are not involved. However, if sex workers operate […]
Victory: Claire Finch argues that it is much safer for prostitutes to work in her home. By ANDREW LEVYBritain’s ‘antiquated’ vice laws were thrown into confusion yesterday when a massage parlour boss was cleared of running a brothel.Claire Finch, 49, admitted offering topless massages ‘with happy endings’ from her bungalow and advertised in local newspapers.Up to […]
A malicious prosecution with a happy ending. On Thursday 29 April 2010, in Luton Crown Court, Claire Finch was found NOT GUILTY of a criminal charge of keeping a brothel. The jury, in line with public opinion, refused to criminalise Ms Finch for working together with friends from her own home for safety. Ms Finch, her friends […]
A massage parlour boss who offered “happy endings” has been cleared of running a brothel from her bungalow.Claire Astrid Finch, 49, of Chalton Heights in Chalton, Bedfordshire, was found not guilty at Luton Crown Court of keeping a brothel for prostitution.She took out adverts in newspapers and on the internet, selling topless massage “with happy […]
A mother-of-two operated a brothel from her home in a quiet cul-de-sac employing around 20 middle-aged women, a court heard.Claire Finch, 59, is alleged to have recruited other middle aged women to work from her village home.A jury heard details of a website advert for “Claire’s massage”, which stated: “We aim to provide an impeccable […]
The English Collective of Prostitutes says a ‘moral crusade’ is under way based on the mistaken belief that sex workers are all controlled by criminal gangsJamie DowardAn increasing number of prostitutes who work from home, often for safety reasons, are being prosecuted, according to the organisation that represents English sex workers.The English Collective of Prostitutes […]
Recent legislation is further criminalising prostitutes but doing nothing about the reasons why they choose this workThe Policing and Crime Act came into force yesterday. Its anti-prostitution measures were put forward by government feminists who advocate the “Swedish model”.In 1998, Sweden passed legislation making it illegal for men to purchase sexual services. This was part of […]
UPDATE 29/04/2010: Today in Luton Crown Court Claire Finch was found not guilty of a criminal charge of keeping a brothel. The jury, in line with public opinion, refused to criminalise Ms Finch for working together with friends from her own home for safety. This malicious prosecution was motivated by a moral crusade and financial incentives for the […]
In 2003, New Zealand decriminalized prostitution stating that “while not endorsing or morally sanctioning prostitution or its use” it aimed “to create a framework that: (a) safeguards the human rights of sex workers and protects them from exploitation; (b) promotes the welfare and occupational health and safety of sex workers; (c) is conducive to public health; (d) prohibits the […]
