Sweden no model for sex laws

Now a corruption investigation has been launched against one of the supporters and instrumental voices in these harsh policing tactics – a Yarra City Council compliance officer and supporter of the Greg Barber and Kathleen Maltzahn approach has allegedly used the laws to their advantage.

Sex workers know such policies breed corruption. Unfortunately, engagement with police in criminalised environments is also a common experience among sex workers in Australia. From the NSW Woods Royal Commission to the Neave Inquiry in Victoria, corruption was proven to be rife under criminalised regimes in the last century. And it continues to be a characteristic of anti-trafficking and anti-client criminalisation.

The reality is that sex work continues, regardless of the laws, regulatory challenges, corruption, discrimination, stigma, criminalisation or social marginalisation. The question for policy makers and those trying to support sex workers is to ask: How can we remove the problems sex workers face?

One answer is to remove harsh laws that harm sex workers. Decriminalisation is the only way to deliver true dignity to sex workers. The Swedish model in its attempt to protect sex workers, is actually violating the basic human rights of such women. People who call themselves feminists, or advocates for workers rights, should remember that increased criminal penalties only hurt the target populations that are intended to be "saved." Recognising and rejecting the feminist "victim" complex around sex work, is vital to understanding the rights of the workforce that is affected by anti-sex work policies. Sex work is work.