What is a Thunderclap?
Thunderclap is a tool that enables us to create a “virtual flashmob” in order to raise awareness about an issue. When you sign up you are scheduling the social media message “Prostitution is Sexploitation; Decriminalizing Helps Pimps and Sex Buyers! #NoAmnesty4Pimps #AmnestyInternational” to be posted on your Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr. These messages will all be posted on the same day, at the same time, in order to create a massive effect! This simple action can help raise awareness and change the conversation. Be sure to click “Join this Thunderclap” above to participate! You can also go to our Thunderclap page here.
What is the Cause?
Amnesty International has developed a policy document supporting full decriminalization of prostitution, and is expected to conduct a final vote on the policy next month. Full decriminalization of prostitution is one of the world’s most disastrous approaches to the sex trade because: 1) it is a gift to pimps and sex buyers allowing them to carry out their activities as mere “sex business operators” and “customers,” and 2) it normalizes the sexual violence and exploitation inherent to prostitution as a form of “work.” Amnesty’s support of decriminalized prostitution will undermine the human rights of persons in the sex trade (the majority of whom are females), and give impunity to perpetrators of sexploitation.
If prostitution is fully decriminalized—meaning there are no laws banning or regulating pimping, sex buying or selling (for those 18 years old and above, Amnesty is quick to clarify)—then no prostitution laws are there to be broken, no crimes are committed, and all those concerned can go merrily about the business of buying and selling human beings for sex.
- Issues: Prostitution, Sex Trafficking
