Two Democratic state lawmakers in Illinois plan to introduce a bill that would pave the way for Illinois to become the first state to decriminalize consensual sex work. The lawmakers are also hoping to expunge records for sex workers and establish a sex workers’ bill of rights.
The legislation would not alter penalties for sex traffickers or those who abuse sex workers.
Advocates of the new bill say that sex workers are currently operating in the shadows. They believe that the bill, if passed, will help mitigate the dangers sex workers face. They say it will allow them to vet potential clients, report crimes and find safer places to work.
“Sex workers should have the same basic protections when they engage in their work as anyone else does,” Illinois Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, said.
Last week, Guzzardi introduced a bill passed by the Illinois House to replace the word “prostitute” with “person engaged in the sex trade.” That bill is currently awaiting the governor’s signature.
Reyna Ortiz, chair of the Sex Worker Advisory Group, said: “For over 20 years, I worked as a sex worker here in the city of Chicago, and for over 20 years lived under the fear and threat of violence. By passing this legislation, we will make Illinois a safer place for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.”
However, not everyone is on board with decriminalizing sex work in the state.
DuPage County Republicans posted on X: “Illinois Democrats have already worked hard to expand and legalize drug use, gambling, and many crimes. Now they are making the inevitable turn towards legalizing prostitution. Vote red before our entire state is turned into Pottersville!”
If the state legislature passes the bill, Illinois would become the first state to decriminalize sex work.
In 2013, Illinois lawmakers downgraded prostitution convictions to a Class A misdemeanor. Right now, sex work is still punishable by up to a year in jail and $2,500 in fines.
Currently, sex work is only legal in parts of Nevada.
