During a recent government meeting, significant opposition emerged against proposed legislation aimed at criminalizing prostitution loitering. Members from various organizations, including Tech for Housing and the Sexual Violence Law Center, voiced their concerns, arguing that such measures would not enhance public safety and could exacerbate the vulnerabilities of marginalized communities.

A representative from Tech for Housing highlighted that repealing loitering laws was essential, stating, \"They don't work. They don't keep me and my family safer, nor do they prevent trafficking and exploitation of sex workers.\" The speaker emphasized that poverty and housing instability are the root causes of crime, advocating for rapid access to safe housing as a more effective solution to ensure community safety.

Christy Kuntzmann Stern, an attorney with the Sexual Violence Law Center, echoed these sentiments, urging the council to reject the ordinance. She argued that criminalizing victims of violence would not stop exploitation and would instead create additional barriers for those seeking employment and housing. \"This proposed ordinance will create a misdemeanor criminal record for the people this council claims to want to protect,\" she stated, warning that such records would increase the risk of trafficking.

Madison Zach Woo, representing Strippers or Workers Seattle, presented a list of organizations opposing the bill, which included the ACLU and the Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence, among others. This coalition of voices underscored a broader consensus that the proposed legislation could harm those it intends to protect.

As the meeting progressed, technical difficulties interrupted remote comments, but the in-person testimonies highlighted a clear call for a shift in focus towards supportive measures, such as funding for housing and legal services, rather than punitive legislation. The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive strategies to address the complexities surrounding sex work and community safety.