Why a change in the 2010 Equality Act is needed
I am calling on the Government to amend the 2010 Equality Act to include professions in the protected characteristics. The 2010 Equality Act was established to protect individuals from unfair treatment and to promote a fair and more equal society. Currently, the Act protects against discrimination based on nine characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. However, it fails to address the discrimination faced by individuals based on their occupation.
Individuals working in legal, yet socially stigmatized professions—such as estate agents, traffic wardens, debt collectors, telesales executives, and sex workers, among others—are frequently subjected to prejudice, verbal abuse, and even physical violence. Beyond this, these occupations are often the butt of jokes and ridicule, further perpetuating harmful stereotypes. These workers are also unfairly judged and ostracized, leading to significant barriers in accessing basic services such as banking, housing, and alternative employment opportunities. The current legal framework does not offer adequate protection to these workers, leaving them vulnerable to systemic discrimination.
Discrimination against sex workers is far too common yet it is rarely spoken about. It’s time to take action and give sex workers equal opportunities so they no longer have to live in the shadows. Discrimination only makes sex workers more vulnerable and allows traffickers, rogue agencies and rogue clients to flourish. Those who discriminate and shame are part of the problem. This industry is not going anywhere especially considering the current cost-of-living crisis. It’s time for sex workers to become accepted by society.
Amending the 2010 Equality Act will give sex workers equal opportunities when it comes to housing, banking and employment. The change in legislation will help to transform the lives of many, allowing sex workers to live more freely, safely and happily as themselves without the need to hide.
This amendment is not just about protecting a few professions; it is about ensuring that all individuals, irrespective of their job, are treated with dignity and respect. British society prides itself on fairness and equality, yet current laws leave those in certain professions without protection from discrimination. This is a grave oversight that must be rectified.
This petition is deeply personal. I spent two decades working in the sex industry and hiding who I was which caused me to live under the radar without support. The result of that meant lying to estate agents when I was house hunting as well as filling in the blanks on my CV and avoiding certain social situations for fear of shaming and abuse. I don’t want other sex workers to go through what I went through. For years I felt like I was a bad person just for doing something that felt natural to me and that was ultimately helping people. This ill treatment of sex workers cannot continue.
If you believe in making life safer for those working in the sex industry and bringing an end to occupational discrimination, then please sign and share the petition here. Thank you for your support.