By Max Zhou
What if hairdressers were regulated like sex workers are in Victoria right now?
A simple appointment at the barber is both legal and as normal as it gets. But a similar type of appointment with a self-employed, independent sex worker is illegal if it occurs at the sex worker’s home or apartment.
This double standard is outrageous considering both hairdressers and sex workers provide personal services, and they both pay tax (I know I do). As an independent sex worker, the law prohibits me from describing the services I offer in my advertisements…
Why Decriminalise Sex Work?
Decriminalising sex work would regulate this type of work using similar business laws which already regulate other service industries. Decriminalisation would provide sex workers with the same rights and legal protections as workers in any other personal service industry.
Most gay male sex workers, like myself, work independently from their private residences. They constantly fear eviction by their landlord, should the landlord discover their status as a sex worker.
Currently, Victorian anti-discrimination laws provide no protection for sex workers from discriminatory eviction. I am also fearful that my bank will close my business bank account should they discover my cash deposits come from sex work…
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Read the full article on Star Observer’s website.
