Sex Worker Advocates Call for End to Arrests, Prosecutions During Pandemic

SAN FRANCISCO — A coalition of activists who advocate for the rights of sex workers will hold a virtual press conference Wednesday to ask California Governor Gavin Newsom to suspend the arrests and prosecutions of sex workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Erotic Service Providers Legal, Education and Research Project (ESPLER Project), US Prostitutes Collective (US PROS) and the Sacramento branch of Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP) will conduct the virtual press conference at 10:30 a.m.(PDT) tomorrow.

"Police in jurisdictions like L.A. are wasting precious public resources to do prostitution stings — money that could go to help sex workers stay safe in place," said Maxine Doogan, president of ESPLERP. "We want [Newsom] to stop all prostitution arrests and prosecutions as to allow folks to not have to risk finding themselves unsheltered in the middle of a pandemic."

Rachel West, with the San Francisco-based US PROS, echoed Doogan's concerns.

"We want the Governor of California to stop police forces spending money prosecuting prostitution offenses and instead spend that money on the social safety net, which needs serious bolstering right now," said West. "The Governor should stop the enforcement of solicitation and 'loitering with intent' offenses which are disproportionately being used against trans, black, immigrant and other women of color. Sex workers, many of whom are mothers trying to ensure that their children don’t go hungry, need support not criminalization."

SWOP Sacramento's Kristen Di Angelo agreed with her colleagues' demands.

"Many sex workers continue to work out of hotels, cars, and their own dwelling during the 'shelter-in-place' [orders]," Di Angelo said. "Without income or relief, what else can they do? I observed a judge in Placer County on March 3, 2020, state [that] those charged with prostitution would receive 12 days' minimum jail sentence for their first 647(b) charge — prostitution — with longer sentences for those with second-time convictions. In the middle of the pandemic, the police are still mounting prostitution stings, still busting sex workers and their clients, and still sending people to jail."

Direct inquiries to info@esplerp.org and sacramentoswop@yahoo.com.

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

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Zariah Aura Stars in Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Kenna James in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Feeling Her Way."

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Brittney Kade Fronts 'Couples Loving Trans 2' From GenderX

Brittney Kade stars with Adira Allure and Sage Roux in the second volume of GenderX Films' "Couples Loving Trans," directed by Jim Powers.

Show More