Occupation of Holy Cross Church, King's Cross 1982
Following in the footsteps of sex workers in France who occupied churches across the country to protest police arresting and fining them while doing nothing to stop murders and rapes, the ECP occupied the Holy Cross Church in the red-light area of King’s Cross, London for 12 days in 1982 to protest police illegality and racism against street workers, and the denial of protection from rape and other violence.
The occupation drew widespread support as many – including Andaiye from Guyana’s Working People’s Alliance, Labour MP Tony Benn and members of the lesbian organisation Sappho – turned up to show their support.
The occupation marked the beginning of the modern sex workers’ rights movement.
OCCUPATION FOOTAGE
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Hookers in the House of the Lord
The unique account of the 1982 occupation by those who lived it and created it. Available to order online in the New Year! You can also read the account in the book Sex, Race and Class – The Perspective of Winning by our first spokeswoman Selma James. Available here.