

"the only thing that needs to be changed is the system. if they come for me in the morning they're coming for you in at night" -Monica

— SWOP Phoenix (@SWOPPhx) April 11, 2014

A 2011 study in NYC found that 59% of transgender respondents said that they had been stopped by police. So over half of our sisters in NYC had they lived in Phoenix would have faced the prospect of "Project Rose".

Ms Jones was brought handcuffed, without being charged by police, to a church basement. It was then established that she hadn’t been previously charged with similar ‘crimes’. She was told if she enrolled in “Project Rose” and successfully completed she would have no arrest record.

Project Rose is the work of the Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) which has been dictating their ideology to the legislature effectively forcing their religion, through the police, on the general population.

Jesus or Jail?



"Catholic Charities DIGNITY Diversion programs offer those arrested for prostitution the opportunity to avoid jail time. Offenders attend intense education to divert them from re-offending.



Run in conjunction with the City of Phoenix Prosecutor’s Office, our program provides 36 hours of self exploration and education to develop self esteem and give hope. Participants also receive rehabilitation services including support, education, and treatment to help them escape prostitution. Job placement assistance is also provided. Those who complete the program have their charges dismissed."

The Capstone of Project Rose is religious programing. From their website:It requires a person, based on how they look, to find their god, assistance in changing jobs and housing, even if they don't need or want this 'help'.

Monica Jones bucked the trend and decided to fight this unjust, unconstitutional law saying



"I believe I was profiled as a sex worker because I am a transgender woman of color, and an activist"



"I'm facing 30 days in jail, this shows how unjust the justice system is. Because I was out there walking" -Monica #StandWithMonica

— SWOP Phoenix (@SWOPPhx) April 11, 2014

But the court refused to recognize the unconstitutionality of the law and convicted Monica even though two witness testified that the officer was the one who approached Monica, invalidating the key provision of the law leading to her arrest.

I can't help but notice the absence of mainstream media after she was convicted. The onus to bring this injustice once again rests on we the people.