The 2004 election in Berkeley included a proposition about decriminalizing prostitution in that city. Unofficial results as of November 12, 2004 indicate that the measure has not passed. Measure Q would: Show support from the people of Berkeley for repealing laws prohibiting or regulating private consensual adult sexual activity in California . The City Council would then be directed to lobby in favor of the repeal of these laws. The ordinance would require a semi-annual report from the Berkeley Police Department regarding all prostitution law enforcement activities. Enforcement of existing prostitution laws would, proponents hoped, remain a "lowest priority" for the Berkeley Police Department.

Some of the benefits that supporters of the measure believe would have come from its passage included: less violence against women; fewer convictions, leading to increased options such as education for sex workers; and possible promotion of similar measures in surrounding cities, such as Oakland and San Francisco. Measure Q was also called "Angel's Initiative," after Angel Lopez, a transgender prostitute who was murdered in San Francisco in 1993. More info on SWOP's website
Berkeley Daily Planet Opinion Against Prop. Q
Past Indybay Coverage of the Sex Workers Outreach Project