Understanding the Importance of Immunity in Reporting Laws
Immunity in reporting laws is a critical harm reduction measure that allows sex workers, trafficking survivors, and certain crime witnesses to report incidents to police without facing arrest or charges. By providing immunity, advocates aim to mitigate the harms of anti-prostitution laws, facilitate lobbying efforts, and foster better relationships with legislators. The first immunity bill in the US, Alaska's 2016 Immunity Bill, set a precedent with its affirmative defense and omnibus approach. Elements of an immunity bill include ensuring protections for victims and witnesses, including clients, protecting associates, expanding reportable crimes, establishing true immunity, and nullifying post-reporting requirements. Find tools and support in the Immunity Bill Toolkit.
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IMMUNITY IN REPORTING LAWS A HARM REDUCTION MEASURE
IMMUNITY IN REPORTING LAWS ALLOW SEX WORKERS, SEX TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS, AND (IN SOME STATES) CUSTOMERS WHO ARE THE VICTIM OR WITNESS OF CERTAIN CRIMES TO MAKE REPORTS TO POLICE WITHOUT BEING ARRESTED FOR OR CHARGED WITH PROSTITUTION.
WHY IMMUNITY? REDUCE HARMS OF ANTI-PROSTITUTION LAWS. EASY LIFT FOR BEGINNING LOBBYING, ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS WITH LEGISLATORS. CREATES A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION -THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES. WHY NOT IMMUNITY? REDUCING THE HARMS OF THE ANTI-PROSTITUTION LAWS COULD REDUCE THE URGENCY TO REPEAL THEM AND ELIMINATE ALL THE HARMS THEY CAUSE.
The FIRST Immunity Bill in the US: Alaska s 2016 Immunity Bill Started with research. Affirmative defense. Omnibus bill.
ELEMENTS OF AN IMMUNITY BILL 1. ENSURE PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS AND WITNESSES WHO MAKE GOOD FAITH REPORTS 2. INCLUDE CLIENTS 3. PROTECT ASSOCIATES 4. EXPAND ON REPORTABLE CRIMES 5. ESTABLISH TRUE IMMUNITY 6. NULLIFY ANY REQUIREMENTS AFTER REPORTING
Immunity Bill Toolkit: http://bit.ly/3BH5QPC Storybank Support Questions?