The English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP) is urging Brighton & Hove City Council to take a stand against the criminalization of prostitution. In a petition signed by over 1,300 local residents, the ECP demands that the council "do everything in its power to protect sex workers in the city and use whatever influence it has to push for decriminalization of sex work nationally."
The petition, presented at a full council meeting on December 19th, also calls for the council to provide resources to support sex workers who wish to leave the industry.
"We understand that decriminalization requires national legislative change," stated the ECP. "However, we urge Brighton & Hove to lead by example and set a precedent for other city councils."
The ECP, a network representing both street and indoor sex workers, advocates for decriminalization and improved safety for all sex workers. This push comes just days after the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers (December 17th).
While prostitution itself is not illegal in the UK, surrounding activities are criminalized under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. These include controlling prostitution for personal gain, soliciting in public places, kerb-crawling, and operating brothels. Offenders face up to seven years imprisonment.
The ECP argues that these laws force sex workers into a dangerous dilemma: "to keep themselves safe and face the possibility of arrest or avoid a criminal record and put themselves in danger."