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Published on January 14, 2025
Illinois Lawmakers Propose Decriminalization of Sex Work in Groundbreaking BillSource: Illinois General Assembly

Amidst the ongoing discourse around sex work and its legal status, Illinois lawmakers have stepped forward with a groundbreaking proposal. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, State Senator Celina Villanueva and State Representative Will Guzzardi have introduced legislation that aims to decriminalize sex work in the state, potentially setting a precedent nationwide.

The bill arose from a coalition including the Sex Worker Advisory Group (SWAG), composed of Black and Brown current and former sex workers. As Reyna Ortiz, chair of SWAG, shared with the Chicago Sun-Times, "By passing this legislation, we will make Illinois a safer place for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities." The proposed measures would not only remove criminal penalties for adults involved in consensual sex work but also aim to expunge past arrest and conviction records for sex workers and establish a bill of rights tailored to their needs.

Supporters of the bill assert that current criminalization measures contribute to a climate of violence and diminish sex workers' access to crucial resources, including health care, as discussed in a report by FOX 32 Chicago. The proposed legislation is backed by arguments that highlight the potential for improved safety and service access for sex workers. "The threat of arrest and prosecution keeps sex workers unsafe and in the shadows, and this threat must be eliminated," expressed Brian Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, articulating hopes for a significant societal shift in perceptions and support for the sex work community.

While prostitution remains illegal outside certain zones in Nevada, this legislative push in Illinois could signal change. Specifics surrounding implementation and regulatory measures are still under wraps and the timetable for the bill's progression through the Assembly remains undecided. Yet, there's an undertone of urgency among advocates and lawmakers championing it, who are likely to continue pressing the narrative that such reforms are not merely about legal adjustments but affirmations of dignity and respect. "People deserve safety, people deserve dignity, people deserve respect," Guzzardi told the Chicago Sun-Times in a sentiment mirroring the broader motivation fueling this legislative effort.