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Advocates for Sex Workers, Elected Officials, and Public Health Experts to Call for Law Barring Use of Condoms as Evidence of Prostitution

Report to Reveal Public Health Crisis Caused by NYPD’s Confiscation of Condoms

On Tuesday, April 17 people with experience in the sex trade, elected officials, public health experts, and human rights advocates will hold a press conference calling on the New York State Assembly to pass legislation barring the use of condoms as evidence of prostitution. Supporters of Bill S323/A1008, known as the No Condoms as Evidence Bill, say that allowing condoms to be confiscated by police and used as evidence in criminal cases discourages sex workers and other vulnerable New Yorkers from carrying condoms, undermining efforts to combat sexually transmitted diseases and educate the public about safer sex.

At Tuesday’s press conference, The Sex Workers Project at the Urban Justice Center and the PROS Network (Providers and Resources Offering Services to Sex Workers) will release a report, entitled “Public Health Crisis: The Impact of Using Condoms as Evidence of Prostitution in New York City.” The report reveals findings from two separate surveys of NYC sex workers, including a survey conducted in 2010 by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) that is only now being released.

WHAT: Elected Officials, Public Health Experts, and Human Rights Advocates Hold Press Conference Calling for Legislation Banning the Use of Condoms as Evidence of Prostitution, Release Report on Public Health Crisis in NYC

WHO: Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Audacia Ray of Red Umbrella Project, Sienna Baskin of The Sex Workers Project at the Urban Justice Center, Chris Bilal from Streetwise and Safe (all members of the PROS Network), and Kathryn Todrys of Human Rights Watch.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 17that 1:00pm

WHERE: Room 130, Legislative Office Building