Public Statement on Proposed Legislation and Initiative I-137

As a community organization dedicated to advocating for justice, equality, and the empowerment of marginalized communities, we are deeply concerned about the Seattle City Council’s recent actions regarding the proposed reintroduction of the prostitution loitering law and the new SOAP (Stay-Out-of-Area Prostitution) and SODA (Stay-Out-of-Drug-Area) measures. Additionally, the council's delay in voting on Initiative I-137, which would fund social housing, raises significant concerns about the direction of our city's policies. 

These policies - argued by the council to address issues of safety and crime- create more barriers to resources in such a way that is likely to increase instability and risk to sex trafficking. Instead of arrest, people suffering from poverty or sex trafficking must be offered real support- like housing, community support, and financial aid- so they can make decisions that are best suited for their own lives.

Prostitution Loitering Law, SOAP, and SODA Measures

The reintroduction of the prostitution loitering law, which was repealed in 2020, along with the new SOAP and SODA measures, represents a troubling step backward for Seattle. These laws historically have been used to unjustly target Black, Brown, poor, and LGBTQ+ individuals for routine activities. Reinstating these measures would not prevent crime or trafficking but would instead perpetuate systemic discrimination and hardship for our most vulnerable residents.

These laws allow for the arrest and displacement of individuals based merely on accusations, violating the fundamental principle of 'innocent until proven guilty.' The proposed SOAP and SODA measures would impose pre-trial restrictions, banning individuals from entering entire neighborhoods and further marginalizing those already struggling with poverty and lack of resources.

We believe that criminalizing loitering and restricting movement without due process does not enhance public safety. Instead, it creates additional barriers for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives, exacerbating social and economic inequalities. For example, SOAP would ban anyone charged with prostitution-related crimes from accessing Aurora Commons, one of Seattle’s only resource centers for sex workers or people experiencing sex trafficking.

Initiative I-137 Delay

The council’s decision to delay voting on Initiative I-137, which seeks to fund social housing, is equally concerning. Initiative I-137, supported by thousands of Seattle residents, aims to provide sustainable funding for permanently affordable, mixed-income public housing. This initiative is crucial for addressing Seattle’s housing crisis and ensuring that all residents have access to safe, affordable housing.

Delaying this measure not only undermines the democratic process but also stalls essential progress in providing long-term housing solutions for our community. Housing stability is a fundamental component of public safety and trafficking prevention, and we urge the council to prioritize this initiative.

Call to Action

We call on the Seattle City Council to reconsider the reintroduction of discriminatory laws and to prioritize equitable, compassionate solutions that address the root causes of crime and instability. This includes rejecting the prostitution loitering law, SOAP, and SODA measures and moving forward with Initiative I-137 to fund social housing. 

Seattle has the opportunity to lead by example in creating just, safe, and inclusive communities. We urge our elected officials to focus on policies that promote social justice, community support, and true public safety for all residents.

Together, we can build a city that upholds the values of equality, dignity, and compassion.

Thank you.