Proposition K would ban San Francisco authorities from investigating or prosecuting sex workers on prostitution charges. Mayor Gavin Newsom, District Attorney Kamala Harris and much of the business community oppose it. They say the proposal would attract pimps, human smugglers and others who profit from the sex trade.

But Prop K has powerful supporters. It’s been endorsed by the Democratic County Central Committee after 12,000 petition signatures placed it on the November 4 ballot. It’s also supported by Jeffrey Klausner, director of STD control and prevention for the city's health department. Backers say the measure would shift the city's focus from prosecuting prostitution to pursuing those who prey on sex workers and increasing public health outreach.

KCBS’ Barbara Taylor Reports

This isn't the first attempt to decriminalize prostitution in the Bay Area. A similar effort by San Francisco sex workers two years ago failed to get on the ballot. And Berkeley residents voted down a similar measure four years ago.

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