Charleston v. State of Nevada
On Tuesday, October 20 we watched an insider’s update on a critical lawsuit and opportunity for our movement to end sexual abuse and exploitation in Nevada. We need your help to spread the word on this case!
If you missed the live webinar, you can still register here and you will be sent the link to view the recording and also be able to receive updates regarding the case as we draw closer to oral argument on December 9th.
Three survivors of sex trafficking in Nevada’s legal brothels are suing the State of Nevada for its laws allowing legalized prostitution. On Dec. 9, 2020, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in the landmark case, Charleston v. State of Nevada. These bold survivors are arguing that Nevada is in violation of the 13th Amendment, which forbids slavery and involuntary servitude from existing in the U.S. Nevada is violating the 13th Amendment by creating conditions that enable slavery, specifically in the form of sex trafficking and involuntary sexual servitude.
This lawsuit has three aims:
- Void any county ordinances licensing brothels;
- Invalidate the state law permitting prostitution;
- Provide exit services and resources to women prostituted through Nevada’s legal brothels.
Panelists:
- Rebekah Charleston, Survivor of Nevada’s Legal Brothels, Plaintiff in this case
- Jason Guinasso, Attorney; Lead attorney in this case
- Christen Price, Legal Counsel, National Center on Sexual Exploitation; Co-counsel in this case
- Melissa Holland, Founder, Awaken; Provides direct services to women in prostitution in Nevada & leads local efforts to overturn NV’s prostitution laws
- Angela Delgado-Williams, Survivor of Sex Trafficking in Nevada
Remember Bekah Charleston from the 2018 Awaken Banquet? Here, she explains her reasons for suing the State of Nevada. Click on her picture to watch her video. You can also read her story here.
