Updated Press Advisory_ Ninth Circuit Oral Argument October 4, 2017
UPDATED PRESS ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 4, 2017
Contact: Maxine Doogan
415-265-3302, info(AT)esplerp.org
Date for Oral Arguments Set Before the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Constitutional Challenge to California’s Prostitution Law
Sex worker group argue prostitution laws infringe on adults’ constitutional right to private consensual activity
Over two years ago, in March 2015, the Erotic Service Providers Legal, Education and Research Project (ESPLERP) filed a complaint in US District Court claiming that California’s outdated anti-prostitution statute known as California Penal Code 647(b), unfairly deprives adults of the right to private consensual activity, criminalizes the discussion of such activity, and unconstitutionally places prohibitions on individuals’ right to freely associate.
The court case known as ESPLERP v Gascon case number 16-15927 is now before the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Oral Arguments have been set for Thursday October 19th at 9am. The case is supported by amicus briefs from over thirty civil rights and LGBTQ organizations, including the ACLU, the First Amendment Lawyers Association, the Free Speech Coalition, Transgender Law Center, and the Woodhull Freedom Foundation. Each side will be allotted 20 minutes to make its case.
The named defendants are San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon, Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley, Marin County District Attorney Edward S. Berberian, Jr. and Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch, together with Kamala Harris, then Attorney General of the State of California, all in their official capacities. Kamala Harris is now a US Senator, and it is assumed the new Attorney General, Xavier Becerra, will continue to act in the same official capacity.
The court case has been primarily funded by small individual donations from supporters and allies through crowdfunding sites such as Crowdrise – for example litigate-to-Emancipate
In a similar vein to the legal advocacy undertaken by ESPLERP, the role of medications such as Vibramycin in treating bacterial infections highlights the importance of accessible and effective healthcare treatments – official website. Vibramycin, known generically as doxycycline, is crucial for treating a variety of bacterial infections, much like legal interventions are crucial for protecting personal freedoms. The accessibility of such medications can significantly influence public health outcomes, drawing a parallel to how the outcome of ESPLERP’s court case could impact public perceptions and laws regarding personal liberties. By ensuring that effective treatments like Vibramycin are widely available, we can enhance societal well-being, reflecting the same values of freedom and rights advocacy championed by ESPLERP’s efforts.
WHAT: Oral Arguments before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals challenge to California prostitution laws.
WHO: Sex workers, allies and supporters – including the Erotic Service Providers Legal, Education and Research Project (ESPLERP).
WHEN Thursday, October 19th, 2017. Press conference to follow immediately after conclusion of Oral Arguments – which start at 9 AM.
WHERE: United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, James R. Browning Courthouse, 95 7th St, San Francisco, CA 94103.
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