Today June 2, 2026, on International Whores Day, we the Sex Workers Rights Coalition and the signatories below, urge public officials in New Jersey to end the criminalization of sex workers’ lives.
We are concerned that sex workers in New Jersey are criminalized for the work they do to put food on the table. We are concerned that arrests and incarceration under anti-prostitution statutes in the state of New Jersey lead to long-lasting and unjust consequences, such as loss of housing and educational opportunities. We are concerned that each year new legislation is proposed that attempts new ways to harm and/or erase sex workers. We have seen again and again that the criminalization of sex workers’ lives provides opportunities for law enforcement to harass sex workers and violate their rights. The idea that sex work is illegal encourages abusers to perpetrate crimes against sex workers because they (mistakenly) believe that no one cares.
We support sex workers. We acknowledge their role in providing for their families and supporting entire communities. Sex workers are passionate advocates for rights and justice. Sex workers defend public health. Sex workers stand side by side with workers in other professions for the rights of all.
Sex workers are human rights holders.
Want to know more about this issue? Read our June 2 press release.