I don’t see a lot of post here about this so I’m writing one hastily. Basically a bill called FOSTA just passed in the House today. The bill is supposedly to punish websites that knowingly or unknowingly host content promoting sex trafficking. However they changed the language to allow the federal government to prosecute any website that hosts content promoting prostitution/sex work.
That means:
*No advertising platforms like Backpage that allowed us to work inside, stay safe, and spend more time with our children *No bad date lists or screening websites like VerifyHim *No peer platforms like Tits and Sass *No sharing information on how to screen and stay safe. That includes giving referrals. We won’t be able to ask for or give other workers referrals! *Mainstream platforms like Twitter preemptively banning sex workers
And no, this does not keep trafficking victims safe either. Backpage and other online platforms have been crucial tools in identifying trafficking victims. This bill is to fuck over sex workers and to chill free speech.
Sex workers and allies, we’re fucked as shit if this bill passes and Trump signs it (he tweeted in support of the bill and so did Ivanka). We MUST stop this bill in the Senate. To do that, we need to call our senators NOW.
– Get your senators’ numbers here: https://callyourrep.co/ And use this script from Support Ho(s)e:
“Hi, my name is ___and I live in ___(city in district). I’m calling to urge Congressperson ______to vote NO on #FOSTA, House Bill 1865 because it infringes on online free speech and community harm reduction practices.”
– If you’re lazy (like me) you can even text RESIST to 50409 and the RESIST bot will deliver your message to your senators
graphic from National Center for Transgender Equality
gayfeline 