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I have been working with sex workers for about three years, doing outreach and advocacy downtown Portland and along 82nd ave. for the Portland Women's Crisis Line and I believe the PFZs are harmful to the workers because the ordinance only further displaces an already marginalized and vulnerable population. This is not an issue of law enforcement it is an issue of economic and social justice. These women and men working along 82nd ave. are facing lack of affordable housing, lack of viable employment opportunities, lack of drug and alcohol and mental health treatment, lack of affordable childcare for those with children, etc. PFZs do not magically create alternatives to prostitution. We need more wrap around services that focus on a truly holistic, long term approach to dealing with this issue. We do not need a band-aid.

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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