NEWSBYKRISTIE MILLER

Editor's Note: Yesterday, we heard from sex worker and activist Karly Kirchner about why she believes Proposition K - which would decriminalize prostitution in San Francisco - is right for the city. Today, anti-exploitation activist Kristie Miller argues that the measure is a step backwards.

There are many flaws with San Francisco’s Proposition K.  Alarmingly, there is a proven global connection between legalization/decriminalization of prostitution and an increase in sex trafficking.  If we are to enter into an intelligent conversation over ideas for any policy change designed to keep women and girls safe, first these connections need to be more thoroughly explored. The outcome could have dire consequences for the advancement of women’s human rights. On one hand, Proposition K could bring the job title of ‘prostitute’ into a legitimate labor category in San Francisco with possibilities of unionization, employer-provided health insurance, and access to disability and unemployment benefits. On the other hand, we could be making our community more susceptible to pimps, traffickers and violent predators while simultaneously creating a group of women and girls that are legally sanctioned to be bought and sold by anyone with the ability or power to do so. When Australia, Netherlands, and Germany legalized or decriminalized prostitution, illegal sex trafficking, prostitution of children, and quality of life crimes exploded.