SEX WORKERS need YOU to take action by calling your Representative TODAY and demanding a NO vote on SESTA!
SESTA, Senate Bill 1693, will expand liability for websites which sex workers use to stay safe without offing any guidance for how they might obey the law, shuttering existing platforms who don’t want to risk dozens of civil suits by hosting information about the sex trade. SESTA will not stop trafficking, it will only push the sex trade into further isolation, making it even more difficult to fight violence and exploitation. If you believe in the survival of sex workers and trafficking victims, urge your Representative to vote NO on Senate Bill 1693, which could go to the floor as soon as March 12th.
1. Who is your Senator? Find out here!
– Why am I calling? Because other than showing up in person (go do that, too!) it’s more effective than emails or Tweets. They write down every call that comes in, and hearing from constituents that an issue is important really does make a difference.
– Can they arrest me if I tell them I’m a sex worker? The chances of anything like that are beyond minuscule. “Sex work” isn’t illegal, you’re not giving them enough information to do anything, you can use what ever name you like, and that would be absolutely shocking and the worst PR move your Rep could ever make. They’ve also just heard from DREAMERs, so you’re not even the first this year to call in and talk about a criminalized existence.
2. What if my Senator is a co-sponsor on the bill? They still need to hear from you. In many offices, this is the first time they’re hearing that sex workers are a part of their constituency – and DEFINITELY the first time they’re hearing calls about it. These calls make a difference – not just on SESTA, but for something to build on for the next fight, and the one after that.
3. What do I say when I call?
“Hi, my name is ____________ and I live in ___________ (city in district). I’m calling to urge Senator ____________ to vote NO on SESTA, Senate bill 1693.
I am a [loved one of a/parent of a/service provider to/an ally of] sex worker[s] and this bill would compromise the safety and lives of people who trade sex, including trafficking victims. I am calling to ask you not to put [me/my community/my loved one/my child] in danger of greater violence and victimization. Please vote no on this terribly misguided bill, which could go to the floor as soon as March 12. Thank you for your time!”
#SurvivorsAgainstSESTA 