Event: 6 Nov – Aotearoa New Zealand Sex Workers’ Collective in London!
On the 20th anniversary of the Prostitution Reform Act, which decriminalised sex work in Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ), two key members of the ANZ Sex Workers’ Collective (ANZPC) are speaking in London.
Dame Catherine Healy, founding member and national coordinator
Annah Pickering, Auckland Regional manager
Monday 6 November, 12.30-2pm
Crossroads Women’s Centre, 25 Wolsey Mews, London, NW5 2DX
Hosted by the English Collective of Prostitutes.
The ANZPC was central to building a coalition that won passage of the Prostitution Reform Act (PRA) which decriminalised prostitution in 2003 with verifiable improvements in sex workers’ health and safety. A comprehensive government review found: no increase in prostitution; no increase in trafficking; sex workers more able to report violence and to leave prostitution if they choose. After decriminalisation, over 90% of sex workers said they had additional employment, legal, health and safety rights; 64% found it easier to refuse clients – a key marker of increased rights in the face of exploitation.
Come and hear an update on the decriminalisation law, including the recent struggle to overturn an exception that politicians introduced at the last minute which excludes migrant sex workers from protections under the PRA.