The millions in funding available to anyone claiming to be fighting sex trafficking has incentivized the suppression of science supporting decriminalization of the sex trade.

Perhaps this week’s presentation by former sex worker, now Dame, Catherine Healy of New Zealand, will lead the public and press to pursue the evidence that removing laws criminalizing commercial sex between consenting adults increases the safety and well-being of sex workers, as well as trafficking victims.

Today at the state Capitol, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., Dame Healy will discuss the “New Zealand Model” of decriminalization, which has empowered those trading sex, improved relations with law enforcement, and made it easier to leave the sex trade for those who want to.

Decriminalization is supported by the World Health Organization, Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women, and National Center for Transgender Equality, to name a few. Hopefully Hawaii will follow suit.

Doug Upp

Downtown Honolulu

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