ALBANY, N.Y. (AP/WBEN) - More than 100 current and former sex workers have come to Albany to encourage state lawmakers to repeal a loitering law that they say police use to harass people simply for their appearance.
Speaking at a rally Tuesday in the state Capitol, members of the group called for the decriminalization of prostitution and solicitation, saying criminal penalties only punish and stigmatize sex workers - many of whom are underage, homeless or the victims of human trafficking.
The group also wants lawmakers to pass a new state law making it easier for former sex workers and trafficking victims to expunge convictions for offenses such as trespassing or drug possession if they were forced to commit the crime by their traffickers.
Neither bill has been scheduled for a vote in the Democrat-controlled Legislature.
Ortt says he doesn't put it past Democrats to pass any such bill.
If it is approved, Cambria expectes the state to look at financial gains. "There would be taxes, fees, administrative costs, and as a result there would be a number of regulations just to justify the charging of the money," notes Cambria.
