Protest: International Sex Workers’ Day – 2 June
As part of a series of actions to mark the 50th anniversary of International Sex Workers’ Day/International Whores Day, we are organising a protest and photo op at Downing Street to hand in our Open Letter to the Home Secretary demanding the abolition of “prostitute’s cautions”.
WHEN: Monday 2 June 2025, 11am-12pm
WHERE: Downing Street, London, SW1A 2AA
“Prostitute’s cautions” block us from leaving sex work, undermine safety and push us further into poverty. There is no right of appeal and the caution remains on someone’s record until they are 100 years old!
Most sex workers are mothers working to support children. We refuse to be labelled criminals for refusing the poverty that the government imposes on us.
Over 60 organisations have signed the letter to demand the abolition of “prostitute’s cautions” and an end to the criminalisation of sex work.
Issued by ECP and An Untold Story Voices, Bristol Sex Workers’ Collective, Decrim Now, Safety First Wales, SWARM (Sex Workers Advocacy and Resistance Movement), SWU (Sex Workers’ Union), THORN (Trans Hookers Resistance Network).
Join us to demand an end to this injustice!
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2 June marks the day in 1975 when 150+ sex workers occupied the Church of St. Nizier in Lyon, France. A banner was hung over the church façade ‘Our children don’t want their mothers in prison’ The occupation was sparked by the brutal torture and murder of sex workers and a police crackdown against women. Within weeks churches had been occupied all over France and today’s international sex workers’ rights movement had been launched!
This year to mark the 50th anniversary of the Occupation, sex worker organisations internationally will be holding a series of actions and events from 1 – 11 June.
For a calendar of UK actions see @DecrimNow
Photo credit: @tarunisms
