The “anti-prostitution pledge” requires organizations to have a policy opposing prostitution in order to receive U.S. global HIV/AIDS funds. This requirement has been the subject of much debate—and considerable confusion. In addition to restricting privately funded speech and activities, there are serious public health implications when programs are asked to stigmatize populations they are trying to serve.
Alliance for Open Society International (AOSI) and Pathfinder International first challenged the anti-prostitution pledge in court in 2005. So far, the courts in this litigation agree that the requirement violates free speech rights. The government has petitioned the Supreme Court to hear the case.
Come hear an update on the litigation and firsthand experiences of programs serving sex workers living with or at risk of contracting HIV.
Speakers will include:
- Zoe Hudson, Senior Policy Analyst, Open Society Foundations (moderator)
- Rebekah Diller, Assistant Clinical Professor of Law, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
- Daniel Pellegrom, former President of Pathfinder International
- Kholi Buthelezi, Sisonke National Coordinator/African Sex Worker Alliance Country Coordinator for South Africa
- Carlos Laudari, Senior Technical Advisor for HIV Prevention and Local Capacity Development, Pathfinder International