2025
New state ‘loitering’ law could lead to racial profiling and deportations / Serena Finney / September 23, 2025
In the name of fighting sex trafficking, the state just opened the door to racial profiling, abuse, and helping ICE
2024
Sex workers rally at California Capitol / Alan Riquelmy / April 23, 2024
The rally targeted three bills to put a loitering law back on the books that detractors say targets people of color and the LGBTQ community.
Pointing to human trafficking, some California lawmakers hope to reinstate prostitution loitering law / Alan Riquelmy / March 8, 2024
In a move that was celebrated by civil rights groups, the Golden State last year killed a law against loitering with the intent to commit prostitution. But now, some state lawmakers say the change has left police with few tools to help victims of human trafficking.
2023
As LA City Attorney targets the Figueroa Corridor, where will sex workers go? / Antonia Crane / December 16, 2023
Advocates and researchers say arresting sex workers will not end sex trafficking.
New report says the war on sex work places BIPOC in harm’s way / Taneasha White / May 11, 2023
Arresting people to rescue them has a track record of failure
New concrete barriers to deter Capp Street sex work stir additional controversy / Betty Yu, Kelsi Thorud / February 21, 2023
2022
Beloved San Francisco Activist Who Coined Term ‘Sex Worker’ Dies / Liz Lindqwister / Nov. 17, 2022
Standing up for sex workers’ rights at the Super Bowl / Nikki Medoro / February 8, 2022
Is There a Constitutional Right to Sex Work? – Boston Review / Joseph J. Fischel / February 1, 2022
Super Bowl Sex-Trafficking Myths Return / January 10, 2022
2021
What to Know About California’s Law Banning Non-Consensual Condom Removal / Larry Buhl / October 18, 2021
Newsom’s call: Governor’s final say on the top 21 bills of ’21 / CalMatters / October 8, 2021
Sex workers gain foothold in Congress / Chris Mills Rodrigo / May 30, 2021
Rescue measure or comfortable cover? Sacramento’s new massage parlor ordinance is accused of harming the women it is alleged to help / Sacramento News & Review / Raymond Greene / May 15, 2021
/ February 26, 2021
Kamala Harris isn’t as feminist as you think: Her record as California’s attorney general was mixed at best / Charlotte Colombo / January 29, 2021
2020
The push to decriminalise the sex industry / July 27, 2020
Sex Life in the Time of the 21st Century Plague / April 27, 2020
SF sex workers forced to make tough and risky choices during pandemic / Dan Gentile / April 13, 2020
Sex Workers Are Moving Online, Supporting Each Other During Coronavirus / Nastia Voynovskaya / March 25, 2020
2019
FREE MINDS Reason Elizabeth Nolan Brown | 11.25.2019
New review of ‘Nordic Model’ in Northern Ireland shows increased stigma and no decrease in demand / Global Network of Sex Work Projects / September 18, 2019
New research has been released analysing the impact of criminalisation of sex work in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland criminalised the purchase of sexual services in 2015 through the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act, and two or more sex workers working together are also criminalised.
Sex Work and the 2020 Presidential Campaign / David Rosen / August 30, 2019
A Political Fight Over Decriminalizing Sex Workers / Alan Riquelmy / June 13, 2019
Activist Advocate for decriminalization of sex work at Democratic convention in San Francisco / Ben Klein / June 5, 2019
Candidates and other colorful characters at the California Dems’ convention / Dan Pine / June 4, 2019
S.B. Pols Shine and Stumble at Democratic Disneyland / / June 3, 2019
14 Democratic Presidential Candidates Give California its Cinderella Moment / / June 3, 2019
California Is Now an ‘Early Primary State’ – Democrats Are Grappling With How to Compete / Shane Goldmacher and Jonathan Martin / June 2, 2019
CA Dems: A Return To Normalcy Is Catching On / June 2, 1029
Warren steals the show at Democratic Convention / Tim Redmond / June 1, 2019
New Laws Forced Sex Workers Back On SF Streets, Caused 170% Spike In Human Trafficking / Susie Steimle
Sex Workers Say Kamala Harris Won’t Be Their Woman in 2020 / Emily Shugerman / January 23, 2019
2018
Sex Workers, Advocates Challenge Mission Police / Nuala Sawyer / December 17, 2018
Sex workers, advocates denied entry into Mission Station in protest over ‘Sex Worker Abatement Unit’ By Julian Mark | Dec 17, 2018
Sex worker advocates demand SFPD shut down unit focused on street prostitution By Michael Barba on December 17, 2018
Groups Demand SFPD Prioritize Safety for Sex Workers
Federal sex trafficking law puts sex workers at further risk, advocates say By KRISTIN LAM June 26, 2018
Sex Workers vs The Internet Rick Paulas | Longreads | June 2018
Sex workers protest Amy Schumer for support of SESTA/FOSTA laws Laura Waxamnn June 2, 2018
Amy Schumer faces protests by San Francisco sex workers at Clusterfest Martha Ross June 1, 2018
Why sex workers are pissed at Amy Schumer, and what internet laws have to do with it Shannon O’Hara Friday, June 1, 2018
Dr Drew interviews sex worker Maxine Doogan – Amy Schumer International Whore’s Day Protest 6/2/18 Dr Drew interviews Maxine Doogan Radio June 1, 2018
Sex Workers Protest ClusterFest Comedy Festival Stephen Yagielowicz May 29, 2018
Our professions are not your punchlines Amy Schumer! Domina Elle May 2, 2018
Legislation to Amend California Pandering Statute Fails April 24, 2018
How Will FOSTA-SESTA Impact on Sex Workers? 7:46 – Maxine Doogan, organizer for the Erotic Service Providers Union and President of Erotic Service Provider Legal, Educational and Research Project on FOSTA-SESTA and SB 1204’s effects on sex workers April 18, 2018
State Pandering Bill Under Fire from Sex Workers and Advocates Diego Aguilar-Canabal Apr 9, 2018
SESTA’s Passage Has Immediate Chilling Effect on Adult Content Distribution march 23, 2018
These Sex Workers Have Sued to Legalize Their Profession Beth Winegarner Thu Mar 1st, 2018
Sex Workers Decry ‘Moral Panic’ Over Human Trafficking By Victoria Mckenzie | February 13, 2018
Judges deny attempt to legalize sex work in CA 01/25/2018
9th Circuit Rejects Bay Area Sex Workers’ Effort to Legalize Prostitution in California By Michael Booth | Jan 19, 2018
Federal court strikes down challenge to prostitution ban 19 January 2018 by Lawrenz Fares
Sex workers fail in effort to legitimize their trade in court Diane Littlefield 1/18/2018
Erotic Service Providers Lose Bid to Make Prostitution Legal January 17, 2018
2017
Meet The Woman Who Could Decriminalize Sex Work Lily Hiott-Millis Dec 4, 2017
Eros.com Still Lives, But Homeland Security Raid Has Sex Workers Worried Elizabeth Nolan Brown|November 13, 2017 10:18 am
Adult entertainment industry abuzz after federal raid ABC 11 I-Team By Jonah Kaplan Thursday, November 09, 2017 11:19PM
Franklin County company raided by feds may be connected to escort website By Amy Cutler Published: November 9, 2017, 11:17 pm Updated: November 10, 2017, 10:20 am
Will a federal court strike down California’s anti-prostitution law? By Dana Littlefield Oct 29, 2017
Why laws against prostitution are unconstitutional By Erwin Chemerinsky
Special to The Bee October 26, 2017 12:00 PM
I’m a Sex Worker Asking the 9th Circuit Court to Decriminalize Prostitution Elle Lynn Stanger Oct 23, 2017
After Hollywood leaves Weinstein stain on America, a Calif court clears pathway to legalize prostitution October 22, 2017 | Tom Tillison
The myth of the happy hooker By THE WASHINGTON TIMES – – Sunday, October 22, 2017
A San Francisco court case could shift the legal status of sex work Sophie Linden, Alternet10.21.2017•4:29 PM This article originally appeared on AlterNet.
9th Circuit hears challenge to California laws criminalizing sex work By John Riley on October 20, 2017 (AT)JohnAndresRiley
Appeals court in SF allows challenge to state law banning prostitution Chronicle Bob Egelko Oct 20, 2017
Federal Court Ponders Constitutionality of Prostitution Ban Elizabeth Nolan Brown|Oct. 20, 2017 1:22 pm
Prostitution could be legalised in California after case is allowed to go forward Emily Shugerman, Jeremy B White New York Friday 20 October 2017
Challenge to California’s prostitution ban may proceed, judges rule Foxnews Oct. 19, 2017
Sex Workers’ Group Challenges California Prostitution Law By Bay City News Oct. 19, 2017
Sex Workers’ Advocate Asks Federal Court in S.F. to Strike Down Law Against Prostitution CBS October 19, 2017 8:16 PM
Sex Workers’ Advocacy Group Asks Court To Strike Down Law Criminalizing Prostitution Bay City News Service 7:45 pm, Thursday, October 19, 2017
Appeals court considers challenge to prostitution laws 48hills.com Oct. 19, 2017
Ninth Circuit Panel May Give New Life to Prostitution Lawsuit October 19, 2017 3:43 PM Legal By Mark Kernes
Sirkin to Argue ESPLER’s Appeal Seeking to Lift Prostitution Statute Rhett Pardon October 10, 2017
Argument Date Set for Appeal in Prostitution Legalization Case August 09, 2017 11:03 AM Legal By Mark Kernes
Kamala Harris’ Whorephobia Is Sadly No Surprise Melissa Petro July 26, 2017
The Rights of Sex Workers: Where is the Movement to Legalize Prostitution by Ezra Kronfeld July 24, 2017
Backpage’s halt of adult classifieds will endanger sex workers, advocates warn Sam Levin Tuesday 10 January 2017 17.01 EST The Guardian
2016
Lawsuit Seeks to Decriminalize Prostitution in California; Anti-Porn Group Warns of Sex Trafficking LinkBy Michael Gryboski , Christian Post Reporter
Dec 9, 2016
NCOSE Law Center Weighs in on California Case that Could Fully Decriminalize Prostitution The National Center on Sexual Exploitation Dec. 8,2016
Fight to End the Criminalization of Sex Workers Continues in California by Feminist Newswire on Oct 27, 2016
ACLU Joins Historic Case Against Anti-Prostitution LawsBy Alison Bass 10/14/2016 The Huffington Post
\How shutting down Backpage, ‘the world’s top online brothel,’ could hurt sex workers By Max Ehrenfreund October 7, 2016 The Washington Post
How Well Is Law Enforcement Able to Address Sex Trafficking? By Sukey Lewis July 28, 2016 KQED
ESPLER Project Appeals Decision, Seeks Donations By Rhett Pardon May 24, 2016 XBIZ
No constitutional right to engage in prostitution By Eugene Volokh April 4 Washington Post
Judge Says ‘No’ to Legalizing Prostitution in California by Adelle Nazarian2 Apr 2016 Breitbart News
U.S. Judge Tosses Challenge to Calif. Anti-Prostitution Law By Rhett Pardon Apr 1, 2016 8:35 AM PDT XBIZ
Judge upholds prostitution ban in case brought by former Sonoma County sex worker CHRISTI WARREN THE PRESS DEMOCRAT | April 1, 2016
Judge says ‘no’ to seeking legalized prostitution in California By Bob Egelko | on March 31, 2016 SFGATE
Is 2016 the year prostitution goes mainstream in California?By Raheem F. Hosseini News and Review.com published on 02.18.16.
Increased Sex Trafficking and the Super Bowl: Very Likely a Myth By Carrie Weisman AlterNet February 6, 2016
Sexwork 2016 Policy Agenda For Legislators PR Newswire January 27, 2016 Yahoo Finance
Marriage ruling cited in brief to overturn prostitution law January 22, 2016 at 11:44 am EST | by Lou Chibbaro Jr.
Plaintiffs Lawyers In ESPLER Project v Gascon File Supplemental Brief in U.S. District Court on Friday 1/20/2016 Coalition Radio
Move to overturn prostitution laws advances, for now 48Hills By Tim Redmond –
January 19, 2016
LGBT Groups Cautious Cautious Over Decriminalizing Sex Work January 13, 2016 at 2:05 pm EST | by Lou Chibbaro Jr.
2015
Bella Robinson Executive Director – COYOTE RI Maxine Doogan President Erotic Service Providers Legal, Educational & Research Project The Coalition Radio Dec. 12, 2015
James Deen, Sex Workers, & Rape by Dr. Marty Klein on December 7, 2015·Sex & Politics, Sexual Intelligence Blog
Guest Columnist: Domina Elle November 9, 2015 by Maggie McNeill
California Assemblyman: ‘We Have to Distinguish Between’ Prostitution and Sex Trafficking to Help Victims Elizabeth Nolan Brown|Oct. 21, 2015 2:50 pm
Some Suggest Legalizing Prostitution Would Put an End to Sex Trafficking Fox40 POSTED 6:53 PM, OCTOBER 20, 2015, BY BEN DECI
Will Decriminalization of Sex Work Become the Next Anti-Regulation Battle? Kate Taylor Entrepreneur October 08, 2015
Forum Decriminalize Sex Trade, Says Amnesty International KQED Forum Mon, Sep 28, 2015 — 10:00 AM
Our right to sexual privacy ESPLERP legal challenge – Jerald L Mosley Sept. 12 2015
The Stream – Should buying and selling sex be a crime? Al Jazeera English Sept. 8, 2015
Should sex work be legal? BY P. J. Tobia September 3, 2015 PBS News Hour
Beyond Amnesty: The Battle Over Sex Work Decriminalization August 12, 2015 by Mike Ludwig/Truthout
Amnesty’s proposal to decriminalize prostitution draws ire from Hollywood, anti-human trafficking groups July 31,2015 by AirTalk
‘Erotic Service Providers Union’ Launches Petition Drive… Against MSNBC?! By Ken Shepherd | July 27, 2015 | 5:56 PM EDT
Reason TV July 23, 2015
Interview with ESPLERP Founder and Activist Maxine Doogan By Sol FinerJuly 2, 2015
KABC Los Angeles The Drive Interview with Bacchus Home June 24, 2015
A New Movement to Legalize Prostitution Faces a Fight With Kamala Harris By Dennis Romero LA Weekly May 14, 2015
Inside the groundbreaking bill that could decriminalize sex work in California By Corey Burke Apr 21, 2015
ESPLERP Attorney’s in the News WCPO Channel 9 Cincinnati April 15, 2015
Will prostitution become legal in California? April 15, 2015
A Lawsuit Pushes To Make Prostitution Legal In California Nevada Public Radio April 1, 2015 Featuring Interview with Veronica Monet
KPFA UPFront with Brian Edward Tiekert Interviews Maxine Doogan and Attorney Gill Sperlein March 23, 2015
Will California Legalize Prostitution Next? Inside the Crowd-Sourced Fundraising Daily Beast March 20, 2015
Challenge to California Prostitution Law Banned by Crowdfunding Site GoFundMe Elizabeth Nolan Brown March 9, 2015 4:45 pm
GoFundMe cancels sex workers’ legal fundraising efforts
By EJ Dickson March 7, 2015
Women Sue to Make Prostitution Legal in California Casey Dolan March 6, 2015
‘Erotic Service Providers’ Sue To Legalize Prostitution, Overturn 1961 Ban KCBS Doug Sovern March 4, 2015
A New Lawsuit Aims to Decriminalize Prostitution in California By Tara Burns March 4, 2015
Lawsuit seeks to throw out laws against sex work 48Hills By Tim Redmon MARCH 4, 2015
Sex workers launch a bold strategy to overturn prostitution laws – in the courts 48Hills By Marke B. -January 28, 2014