The resolution recommends that the full decriminalisation of all aspects of consensual sex work is supported by the organisation.
Salil Shetty, Amnesty's Secretary General, said about the resolution: "We recognise that this critical human rights issue is hugely complex and that is why we have addressed this issue from the perspective of international human rights standards."
Amnesty's announcement that they would consider decriminalisation was criticised by some prominent groups (AFP/Getty) "We also consulted with our global movement to take on board different views from around the world."
Amnesty International now joins a host of other groups in their support for decriminalisation, including the World Health Organisation, the United Nations AIDS programme UNAIDS, and leading medical journal The Lancet.
These groups see the stigma and criminalisation that surrounds prostitution as roadblocks to stopping abuse, trafficking and the spread of diseases like HIV and AIDS.
Some proponents also see the decriminalisation of prostitution as simply an extension of the idea that two consenting adults should be able to have sex without the interference of the government.
However, there is opposition to the idea, most prominently from actors like Lena Dunham, Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet and many others.
They were included in a list of signatories on a letter to Amnesty International written by the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women.
It said that the decriminalisation policy "flies in the face of [Amnesty International's] historical reputation."
It also said the organisation's proposal was "incomprehensible", and said the decriminalisation of prostitution would increase the rates of trafficking and abuse.
The English Collective of Prostitutes has been fighting for the abolition of laws that criminalise sex workers since its establishment in 1975 (AFP/Getty) In its statement, Amnesty makes it clear that it remains opposed to human trafficking, which it says should be criminalised "as a matter of international law."
It also calls prostitution "a form of violence against women and an affront to human dignity".
Much has been made of the 'Swedish model' of prostitution legislation - in which selling sex is legal, but buying it is punishable by hefty fines or prison sentences up to six months.
Marvin X calls for all Men to March who love ho's and multiple wives
Maestro Marvin X with his Black Arts Movement Poets Choir &
Arkestra; David Murray on sax, Earl Davis on trumpet; Malcolm X Jazz/Art
Festival, Oakland, May 17, 2014
After da nut, then what?
by
Marvin X
FROM THE MYTHOLOGY OF PUSSY AND DICK (EXPANDED VERSION): A POETIC DIALOGUE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL SEXUALITY by Marvin X, unpublished
If you love you
I love you
don’t make me love you
if you don’t love you
it’s yo thang
do what ya wanna do
just be true to you
to you yo life
to me mine
lakum dinu kum wa liya din.
no time to hate ya
let me live my life
don’t block me
me no block you
life is a micro second in time
moments precious
no time to hate
a waste
enjoy yourself
don’t worry bout billy and billy
sally and sally
enjoy yourself
organize yourself
like billy and billy and sally and sally
After da nut then what
satisfied bewildered overwhelmed
wow
smile to frown
a moment lost in the wind
The white boy told us
don’t live your life
like a candle in the wind.
Let people be happy
find your bliss
does it involve anyone else
except a friend who comes in love
love da one ya wit
praise them for loving you
let the other people be happy
don’t rain hate
do you know their story pain trauma
let them be
they smile
do you smile in your lover’s eyes
are you thankful and thoughtful
like Sly Stone
It’s a family affair
let lovers love
ease the pain express joy
the mystery of it all
a momentary thing
but standing tall in the night
be thankful for lovers
who know love is all there is
who find joy in the night or early morn
sing along with them their happiness
can you dance your dance of joy
can you say wow.
After da nut then what
it is the most sacred of things
precious
even among the sex workers
praise those with zest
Oriental touch
happy ending
tip for attitude
thank God he sent them to bless you in the night/early morn
treat them with kindness
God sent them to you
Didn’t Jesus love dem ho’s
they washed his feet
who touched the hem of his garment?
After da nut then what
in all your joy look for spirit person
dwelling in the higher self
a tuning fork
steel sharpens steel
water finds itself
drink from the well of love
nothing else
goin on
up in here.
—Marvin X
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