A resolution calling for the legalization of sex work in California is presented by San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — On Tuesday, a resolution was introduced calling for the legalization of sex work and red-light districts in the state of California.

The resolution, introduced by San Francisco Supervisor Hillary Ronen at the weekly board meeting, is pushing state lawmakers to develop a bill to decriminalize sex work and legalize red-light districts across California.

A controversial conversation about the oldest profession in the world.

“Who needs a red light district on their street?” said Pamela Osgood, a longtime San Francisco resident.

Osgood is one of many neighbors in the Mission area who has seen firsthand the rampant increase in violence associated with alleged sex workers and human trafficking operations that have flooded the area.

EXCLUSIVE: San Francisco residents say this street has become the ‘Las Vegas Strip’ with alleged sex workers

“Families live here, everyone is worried,” she said. “Mostly about pimps.”

Osgood says more police patrols and the city’s newly installed street barriers are temporary patches, moving the problem and the danger that comes with it from one street to another.

“It’s getting more and more dangerous,” Supervisor Ronen said. “Right there, in your face.”

Supervisor Ronen agrees that there are no good solutions for the oldest profession in the world, but on Tuesday she proposed one thing – to legalize it.

“If you legalize trade, you can actually zone areas where it is allowed and areas where it is not allowed,” Ronen said. “So it’s not done on the doorstep of neighbors.”

RELATED: SF supervisor looks at sanctioned red light district amid ongoing sex trafficking issue

Ronen says the resolution is a long-term strategy that will likely require years of discussion before it is passed and years for it to be implemented and properly regulated.

Niko, longtime Mission District resident, vs.

“I have daughters and I don’t want them to think they can do what they see on the street when they come home,” he said.

His neighbor Shona supports him, believing it will help protect women who are forced into this work due to poverty, lack of education and other major socioeconomic factors.

“We have pimps beating girls in the middle of the night and clients beating girls,” Shona said. “I’m afraid for them.”

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Ronen argues that criminalization makes it harder to protect women who are stuck in abusive relationships with pimps and johns. But critics argue that legalization can do just the opposite – exploit vulnerable victims. Legal brothels in Nevada have been an example of owners being accused of sexual harassment and human trafficking.

Stephanie Sierra: “What do you say to those who criticize the legalization of prostitution, which will open the door for its continuation?”

How are you. Ronen: “There are examples in Nevada, but I’m telling you, it’s much easier to investigate, arrest, and force women to testify against traffickers when they themselves are not at risk of being prosecuted.”

Sierra: “But some argue that legalizing prostitution would inherently make it easier for sex trafficking operations to exist.”

How are you. Ronen: “Human trafficking will never be legal, let me be clear. It is very, very difficult to bring traffickers to justice. I believe legalization will make things easier, not harder.”

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