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Festival fights ‘draconian’ Bill
THERE is nothing out of the ordinary about a street parade in a festival. But at this year’s Soho Festival expect a twist.
For the first time ever, revellers will get an all encompassing view of Soho as its sex workers go on parade.
The girls will be donning masks and costumes and dancing their way to St Anne’s Green.
Organisers say the parade is a way of thanking the community for their support and to raise awareness of the challenges facing Soho’s historic sex industry.
Cari Mitchell, spokeswoman for the English Collective of Prostitutes (ECP), said: “The sex trade is integral to Soho’s diverse community. The girls want to thank the community for helping to keep the doors open.”
The ECP are campaigning against the Policing and Crime Bill which they say is a “draconian crackdown” on prostitution. Ms Mitchell said the proposals will drive trade underground and put workers in danger as they become forced to work the streets. She said recent attempts by police to close down a number of brothels through anti-social behavioural orders and alleged trafficking are “spurious”. In February, a case involving a Dean Street establishment was thrown out of court.
A spokesman for Westminster Council said: “We are not against particular establishments or particular workers. However, we do have concern for the anti-social behaviour that some establishments attract.
“We expect the parade to be a great community event and a fun day.”
Fiona Rhys-Jenkins Bailey, chairwoman of the Soho Society, who have organised the festival, said: “This will be a great celebration to show what Soho is about and what the community is about.” |
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