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Agenda Item
4 26-0362 Subject: Amending Oakland Municipal Code 9.08.260 (Prohibition Of Prostitution And Prostitution Related Offenses)
From: Councilmember Wang And Council President Jenkins
Recommendation: Adopt An Ordinance Amending Oakland Municipal Code 9.08.260 (Prohibition Of Prostitution And Prostitution Related Offenses) To Conform To State Law (1) By Repealing The Offense Of Loitering For The Purpose Of Engaging In Prostitution; (2) Adding Loitering For The Purpose Of Purchasing Commercial Sex As An Offense; (3) Allowing For The Administrative Assessment Of Fines Against Sex-Purchasers, Sex-Traffickers, And Properties Used For Prostitution; And (4) Creating A Human Trafficking Survivor Support Fund
I am a former foster youth, a survivor of human trafficking, and I have worked as a first responder. I have witnessed how the exploitation of women and children devastates lives and fractures communities.
There is no such thing as a child prostitute, and those who pay for sex with minors are rapists. No one under 18 can consent to sex, let alone to be paid for it. The proposed ordinance ensures those who try to purchase sex from children are held accountable.
Since this ordinance also targets loitering with intent to solicit sex from any age, we also need to talk about consent. At a minimum, true consent must involve: A conscious, self-directed decision. Full understanding of what is being agreed to. Reasonable and accessible alternatives.The right to change one’s mind at any time.
If the only options are sex or starvation, that is not a choice.
Advocates across the country tracking hobby boards see buyers bragging about how young girls look, or they know a trafficker is present. These are not “confused” or naive men. Buyers frequently request one thing and then pressure for more, or buy sex from someone they know is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, when the law clearly defines sex with someone under the influence as rape. 92.2% of women in the sex trade report being raped, beaten, strangled, burned, or assaulted. These are not friendly consensual transactions.
I urge you to stand with city, to hold those who are exploiting our most vulnerable accountable.
I am a former foster youth, a survivor of human trafficking, and I have worked as a first responder. I have witnessed how the exploitation of women and children devastates lives and fractures communities.
There is no such thing as a child prostitute, and those who pay for sex with minors are rapists. No one under 18 can consent to sex, let alone to be paid for it. The proposed ordinance ensures those who try to purchase sex from children are held accountable.
Since this ordinance also targets loitering with intent to solicit sex from any age, we also need to talk about consent. At a minimum, true consent must involve: A conscious, self-directed decision. Full understanding of what is being agreed to. Reasonable and accessible alternatives.The right to change one’s mind at any time.
If the only options are sex or starvation, that is not a choice.
Advocates across the country tracking hobby boards see buyers bragging about how young girls look, or they know a trafficker is present. These are not “confused” or naive men. Buyers frequently request one thing and then pressure for more, or buy sex from someone they know is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, when the law clearly defines sex with someone under the influence as rape. 92.2% of women in the sex trade report being raped, beaten, strangled, burned, or assaulted. These are not friendly consensual transactions.
I urge you to stand with city, to hold those who are exploiting our most vulnerable accountable.