Proposed NDIS Ban on Sex Work Access Deprives Disabled People of Essential Support
Progressive Therapeutic Collective (PTC) stands firmly against recent discriminatory actions by Bill Shorten and the Labor Party, which undermine the fundamental rights of people with disabilities to access sex work services. This decision not only reflects a gross misunderstanding of the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities but also perpetuates a harmful stigma around sexuality and disability.
Sexual Rights are Human Rights
Sexual expression is a basic human right. Everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, deserves the opportunity to experience intimacy, pleasure, and connection. For many people with disabilities, accessing sex work services can be a crucial aspect of their sexual lives. These services provide safe, consensual, and professional environments where individuals can explore their sexuality without judgment or discrimination.
Evidence Supporting Access to Sex Work
Research and lived experiences have consistently demonstrated the benefits of sex work for people with disabilities:
Improved Mental Health: Access to sexual expression can significantly enhance emotional well-being and reduce feelings of isolation and depression.
Enhanced Physical Health: Physical touch and intimacy have been shown to improve overall health, including reduced stress and better immune function.
Empowerment and Autonomy: Providing the option to engage in sex work empowers individuals with disabilities to make autonomous decisions about their bodies and their desires.
Sex Work is Real Work
At PTC, we recognize sex work as legitimate work, deserving of the same rights, protections, and respect as any other profession. This discrimination not only harms people with disabilities but also devalues the vital services provided by sex workers. Sex workers play a crucial role in supporting the sexual health and well-being of individuals, particularly those with disabilities, who may have limited access to other forms of sexual intimacy.
Advocating for Decriminalization
Progressive Therapeutic Collective is a strong advocate for the decriminalization of sex work. We believe that decriminalization is essential to ensuring the safety, rights, and dignity of sex workers. Criminalizing sex work only drives it underground, increasing the risks faced by sex workers and their clients. We call for policies that recognize sex work as a valid profession and protect the rights of those who engage in it.
Blatant Discrimination
The actions taken by Bill Shorten and the Labor Party constitute blatant discrimination against people with disabilities. By restricting access to sex work, they are denying a vulnerable group the right to a fulfilling and dignified sexual life. This decision not only marginalizes individuals with disabilities but also reinforces harmful stereotypes that desexualize and infantilize them.
Call to Action
Progressive Therapeutic Collective calls on policymakers, advocates, and the broader community to recognize and uphold the sexual rights of people with disabilities. We demand an immediate reversal of this discriminatory stance and the implementation of policies that support and protect the rights of all individuals to access sex work services.
Progressive Therapeutic Collective and counselling for Sex Workers
We work hard to provide informed and non-judgmental counselling services for sex workers. Our knowledgeable team provides a safe and supportive environment, addressing mental health needs and advocating for the decriminalisation of sex work. We respect and empower sex workers, recognising their profession as legitimate labor.
You can learn more here:
progressivetherapeutic.com.au/sex-work-counselling
Contact:
Sarah Newbold
Practice Director, Senior Counsellor & Senior Social Worker
Progressive Therapeutic Collective
admin@progressivetherapeutic.com.au