Meaning: This quote by Cynthia Payne, a well-known British brothel keeper, sheds light on her experience and activism regarding the treatment of sex workers in the UK. In the quote, she references her release from prison in 1980 and mentions The Sun's campaign to stop imprisoning "vice girls," a term commonly used to refer to sex workers involved in the sex industry. Payne expresses her frustration that despite ongoing discussions about this issue, no significant changes have been implemented to address the treatment of sex workers within the legal system.

Cynthia Payne gained notoriety in the 1970s and 1980s for running a brothel in London and was eventually arrested and imprisoned for her activities. After serving her sentence, she became an outspoken advocate for the rights of sex workers and campaigned for changes in the law to improve their treatment and working conditions. The quote reflects her continued efforts to raise awareness about the injustices faced by sex workers and her disappointment with the lack of progress in addressing these issues.

The mention of The Sun's campaign indicates that there was public awareness and media attention around the treatment of sex workers at that time. The fact that a widely circulated newspaper like The Sun took up the cause to stop imprisoning "vice girls" suggests that there was growing recognition of the need for reform in the legal approach to sex work. However, despite such efforts, Payne's statement implies that there was a lack of concrete action or meaningful change in the treatment of sex workers following her release from prison.

The term "vice girls" itself carries a historical connotation, often used to describe women involved in sex work or other illicit activities. Its usage reflects the societal attitudes and perceptions towards sex workers, often portraying them as deviant or criminal rather than acknowledging the systemic issues that contribute to their involvement in the sex industry.

The broader context of the quote speaks to the ongoing debate and activism surrounding the decriminalization or legalization of sex work. Advocates argue that criminalizing sex work puts workers at greater risk of violence, exploitation, and stigma while hindering their access to legal and social protections. In contrast, opponents often cite moral or ethical concerns and argue for continued criminalization as a means of curbing the industry.

Cynthia Payne's quote serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by sex workers and the need for continued advocacy and policy reform to address the complex issues surrounding sex work. It also highlights the power dynamics at play in shaping public perception and legal treatment of marginalized communities, as well as the importance of ongoing dialogue and action to effect meaningful change.