London • Amnesty International approved a controversial policy Tuesday to endorse the decriminalization of the sex trade, rejecting complaints from some women's rights groups who say it advocates the legalization of pimping and owning brothels.
In Dublin, Amnesty approved the resolution to recommend "full decriminalization of all aspects of consensual sex work." It argues its research suggests decriminalization is the best way to defend sex workers' human rights.
Amnesty's decision is important because it will use its heft to lobby governments to accept its point of view.
Advance word of the Amnesty policy sparked opposition from some women's groups who argued that Amnesty has made a serious mistake. The groups, such as the U.S.-based Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, have argued that while it agrees with Amnesty that those who are prostituted should not be criminalized, full decriminalization would make pimps "businesspeople" who could sell the vulnerable with impunity.
"It really is a slap in the face to survivors and to women's rights groups around the world," said Taina Bien-Aime, the executive director of the coalition.
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible