Groups representing sex workers around the country are calling for anti-discrimination laws to protect them.

The head of the Scarlet Alliance, Janelle Fawkes, says there are laws protecting sex workers in place in Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT, but they are lacking in the other states and territories.

She says today, being marked by sex workers as International Whores Day, is about creating awareness within the community of discrimination.

"Currently levels of discrimination against sex workers are unacceptably high," she said.

"From prices to advertise in newspapers, through to getting bank loans, being affected in custody battles because of our sex work experience being used against us."