Unanimously supports higher fines, shaming customers. But sex workers group objects. A street prostitute speaks with a customer in a parked vehicle. Image is in the public domain. Stamper, II. The measure was unanimously approved by the Common Council Tuesday morning. All 15 members of the council are listed as sponsors of the file, which will now go to Mayor Tom Barrett for approval.
The name of the fine has also been changed, a move designed to put more shame on those arrested. The second phase, which might need to be addressed through future legislation, will be getting the word out about those caught and convicted. Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs supports the shaming plan. Robert Donovan is already thinking about what comes next. For more on the proposal, see our coverage from earlier this month. Red Umbrella Justice, an advocacy group for the rights of sex workers, objects to the legislation.
Although publicly shaming and increasing fines for clients may sound helpful in theory, in reality it results in men being more afraid of arrest while still seeking out sex workers. It believes that pushing the activity off the street will result in physical harm behind closed doors. RUJ, which is run by current and former sex workers, aims to decrease the stigma, discrimination, and other manifestations of oppression towards sex workers in the Milwaukee area through community education and anti-stigma work, harm reduction and self-care education for sex workers, legal education and outreach, and direct action where needed.
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