Monica Jones (activist)

Monica Jones is an American transgender and sex work activist.[1] While a student at Arizona State University, Jones campaigned against police sting operations against prostitutes, which are aided by the ASU School of Social work and religious charities.[2]

Sex work activism

One day after speaking at a protest against a Phoenix law which allows police to arrest anyone suspected of "manifesting prostitution", Jones was arrested under the law by an undercover police officer. The American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona has filed an amicus curiae for Jones, arguing that the law is "unconstitutionally vague and overbroad"[3] Jones pleaded not guilty to the charge and was sentenced 30 days in prison and a $500 fine.[4]

Laverne Cox and Janet Mock have joined a campaign against the Phoenix law, which they argue targets transgender women of color, following the conviction of Jones.[5] Cox stated, "All over the country, trans women are targeted simply for being who they are. Laws like this manifestation law really support systematically the idea that girls like me, girls like me and Monica, are less than [others] in this country," [5] Mock tweeted, "Speak against the profiling of [trans woman of color], like Monica Jones"

Australian deportation

In November 2014, Jones was detained in Villawood Immigration Detention Centre after the Department of Immigration and Border Protection cancelled her tourist visa at Sydney Airport.[6] Jones agreed to leave the country, but will challenge Australia's Immigration Department over allegations of procedural unfairness in court.[7] Jones commented that producers for the Australian TV show Border Security "knew details of what Immigration was going to do to me" and that "It was about 30 seconds before the cameras showed up... and tried to get me on their TV show"[8] Jones was asked by an immigration officer "Are you OK if they continue to film?" when she had already demanded that the TV cameras leave.[6]

See also

References

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