FSC's Diane Duke, Fabian Thylmann to Defend Sex Worker Rights Tonight at Oxford

LOS ANGELES — Free Speech Coalition President Diane Duke will defend the validity of sex work as a career in a debate tonight at Oxford University in England. The debate — part of the university’s storied Oxford Union debating society — will take on the following proposition:

“Historically, sex work has failed to be regarded as a legitimate career choice in western liberal societies. Whilst many would argue that the stigmatisation of sex has led to the marginalisation of a population within society, others see the sex industry as one which profits from exploitation and the objectification of human bodies. Should sex work be regarded as having the same value as more 'traditional' or 'conventional' professions?”

Joining Duke to defend the rights of sex workers are Catherine Stephens, from the International Union of Sex Workers; and Fabian Thylmann, former owner of Manwin. Opposing the proposition will be Dr. Heather Brunskell-Evans, of Resist Porn Culture; Dr. Finn McKay, of the London Feminist Network; and Sarah O’Brien, of Stop Demand.

“We need to end the systemic and patronizing bias against women and men who choose to work in the sex industry,” said Duke in advance of the event. “I hope we can have an honest debate about how to best empower sex workers in regards to health, safety, and legal rights. As we’ve seen time and time again, denying sex workers agency only strips them of hard-fought protections and drives them into the shadows where they have none. Sex workers need rights, not rescue.”

The debate, which will take place at 8:30 p.m. GMT is closed to the public and press, according to Oxford Union rules. However, the debating society will vote on the proposition after the conclusion of the debate. The 189-year-old Oxford Union is widely considered most prestigious debating society in the world.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

VMG's WIFEY Imprint Mentioned on 'The View'

New Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY was mentioned recently on the long-running ABC daytime talk show "The View."

Shay Sights, Reagan Foxx Reunite in Latest Installment of 'Mommy's Girl'

Shay Sights reunites with 2023 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Reagan Foxx in the installment of the Girlsway series “Mommy’s Girl,” titled “Discipline Dilemma,” alongside Demi Hawks.

Pineapple Support Marks 7th Anniversary

Pineapple Support is marking its seventh anniversary by citing its accomplishments and noting its challenges.

'Over the Top' North Carolina Bill Could Play Havoc With Adult Sites

A bill filed in the North Carolina state Assembly on Monday would impose new rules that industry observers warn could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Ike Diezel on His Directing Style, Making Performers Feel Safe and Finding Community in Jiu-Jitsu

As a director, you can count on Ike Diezel to be prepared. The night before a shoot, Diezel makes sure his lenses are clean, his batteries are charged, his memory cards are formatted — and that he has enough douches for his performers, having already touched base with their agents the day before.

Swedish Government Proposes Ban on Purchasing 'Remote' Sexual Services

The Swedish government has asked the country’s Parliament to amend Swedish law so that current laws against purchasing sexual services would also apply to acts performed remotely by cammers, streamers and custom content creators.

Adult Time Drops 1st 'Mommy's Boy' Feature 'The Fucket List'

Adult Time has premiered the first feature from its "Mommy's Boy" channel, titled "The Fucket List."

PASS Announces New Membership Program for All Adult Industry Workers

Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS) has announced a new membership program for all sectors of the adult industry.

Scarlett Venom Stars in Latest From MYLF

Scarlett Venom stars with Will Pounder in the latest installment of MYLF series "MomDrips," titled “Her Husband Likes to Watch.”

Jewelz Blu, Stripchat to Host XSIV Magazine Launch Party

2025 XMAs winner Jewelz Blu will host an invite-only launch party for the Music issue of XSIV Magazine at Stripchat XSIV House on April 19.

Show More