City Hall Protest Against Amnesty International Resolution on Aug. 4

 

Members, Supporters of the "Not On My Watch” Movement to Denounce Plans for the Decriminalization of Pimps, Brothel Owners and Patrons

WHO: The NYC Faith-Based Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence, NYC Council officials, the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women(CATW), Sanctuary for Families, NOW-NYC/NYS, The New York State Anti-Trafficking Coalition, survivors and other advocacy, grassroots, service organizations and global allies taking action in their own respective cities and countries.

WHAT: New York City organizations and public officials will continue to urge Amnesty International to reject its proposed draft policy which calls for the decriminalization of pimps, brothel owners and buyers of sex. Press conferences/actions will take place simultaneously across the globe, including one in Atlanta spearheaded by Dr. Bernice A. King.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 4, 2015, 10:00am –11:00am

WHERE: Steps of New York City Hall

WHY: If passed at Amnesty's International Council Meeting in Dublin (Aug. 7-11), this policy would in effect advocate for the decriminalization of pimping, brothel owning and sex buying — the pillars of a $99 billion global sex industry. Given Amnesty’s influence with governments worldwide, the press conference will outline reasons for deep concern about Amnesty’s push for laws that would render pimps profitable "business people" who sell vulnerable individuals — who overwhelmingly have life histories of gender, racial and economic violence and inequalities — to buyers of sex with impunity. 

The open letter to Amnesty International gathered close to 500 signatures from groups and concerned individuals from over 30 countries.

The change.org campaign signatories are in the thousands. Among them are Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep, Rev. Dr. A. R. Bernard, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Rev. Dr. Bernice King, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anna Quindlen, philanthropists Jennifer and Peter Buffett, poet and human rights activist, Rose Styron and 2008 Amnesty International Human Rights Award winner, Lydia Cacho. Others include: Angela Bassett, Michael Cunningham, Claire Danes, Jonathan Demme, Grace Hightower De Niro, Lena Dunham, Marcia Gay Harden, Anne Hathaway, Sarah Jones, Kevin Kline, Mandy Patinkin, Kyra Sedgwick, Charlize Theron, Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and many more. 

The New York City Faith-Based Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence was formed as a call to action to faith-based leaders in the Greater New York area.  The Coalition works to brainstorm ideas, strategize, develop and implement short- and long-term action plans in an effort to yield a decline in fatalities relating to domestic violence and victims of trafficking.  This is accomplished in partnership with government agencies, elected officials, community leaders, law enforcement and service providers as part of their national “Not On My Watch!” movement.

The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW) is a non-governmental organization working to end human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of women and girls worldwide. CATW engages in advocacy, education, victim services and prevention programs for victims of trafficking and prostitution in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and North America. www.catwinternational.org

Click here to lend your signature to change.org campaign.

Click here to register for free for National Conference: Combatting Human Trafficking & Domestic Violence.