Tara Hurley

Hurley's 2009 documentary following the debate over prostitution in Rhode Island where prostitution has been decriminalized for almost three decades. Hurley turned her cameras on the women in the Asian massage parlors at the center of the debate to criminalize prostitution where there had been rumors of human trafficking.[3]

Before making Happy Endings?, Hurley says she had no preconceived notions on prostitution, and wanted to make the film to find out how she felt as a woman and a feminist about prostitution. In one interview Hurley states "I couldn't force an opinion on anyone because I didn't really have one. After making the film, doing all the research, and meeting all the people, I personally believe that all prostitution laws harm the women that they claim to protect. When a woman is arrested and gets a criminal record, she no longer has a chance to get out of sex work even if she wanted to. When filling out a job application it will be difficult to explain the criminal record, especially with all the stigma that comes with prostitution. To add insult to injury, I am offended that only the woman is arrested."[4]

While debating the change in Rhode Island's prostitution law, Hurley stated that she was in support of full legalization of prostitution,[5] though she later wrote in support of the Swedish model of prostitution law for Rhode Island as an alternative to the criminalization of sex workers.[6] She also made an appearance on The Dan Yorke Show in which she discussed the film.[7]

Hurley joined the fight to pass stronger human trafficking laws.[8] In addition to working for tougher trafficking laws, Hurley also brought women from the spas to testify against the proposed prostitution law.[9]

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