Prohibits using possession of reproductive or sexual health devices as evidence in a trial, hearing or proceeding in certain circumstances

• Democratic4

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why the sponsor says this is needed

Preventing sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy are important public health goals. Sex workers should be able to use condoms free of fear of arrest to protect their own health and wellbeing. Unfor- tunately, according to research by the Human Rights Watch, sex workers in New York and other cities, are often forced to choose between protecting themselves by using condoms and fear of arrest and abuse at the hands of police.' This bill will expand the ban on admission of evidence that a person was in the possession of condoms to cover all prostitution offenses under Article 230 of the Penal Law and civil claims related to prostitution, such as unlawful use of a multiple dwelling for the purpose of prostitu- tion. It also expands the prohibition to cover reproductive and sexual health devices in addition to condoms. These protections will ensure that sex workers can use condoms and other reproductive or sexual health devices, if they so choose, without fear that those devices will be used as evidence against them.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.