SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—Activist groups and Democratic state lawmakers have introduced a new proposal to completely decriminalize consensual sex work in the state of Illinois.
Introduced on Feb. 7, Senate Bill (SB) 2391 would repeal all criminal penalties for adults who are engaged in consensual sex work and expunge all criminal records for sex workers. In addition, the legislation would adopt a sex workers’ bill of rights, providing basic rights and protections for individuals who engage in sex work.
“This legislation is about fairness, safety, and dignity,” said Sen. Celina Villanueva, a Democrat, in a press release announcing the effort behind the bill. "By decriminalizing consensual adult sex work and removing harmful statutes, we’re taking a stand against outdated policies that do more harm than good.”
Villanueva is a prime sponsor for SB 2391. Rep. Will Guzzardi, another Democrat, is the prime sponsor for the legislation in the state House.
“Full decriminalization of adult consensual sex work is proven to keep workers safe,” Guzzardi said. “It’s a policy that respects everyone’s rights to make private choices about their bodies while freeing up law enforcement to focus on traffickers and violent abusers.”
SB 2391 is also supported by two activist groups: Equality Illinois and the Sex Worker Advisory Group.
Reyna Ortiz, the chair of the Sex Worker Advisory Group, expressed urgency for decriminalization efforts. “This bill represents a monumental step forward in recognizing the rights, safety, and humanity of sex workers,” Ortiz said. “For too long, sex workers have faced stigmatization and legal challenges that put their lives and livelihoods at risk.”
“[75 percent] of sex workers will be assaulted during their careers, and [two-thirds] of all trans people killed in recent years have been sex workers," Ortiz added. "By passing this legislation, we will make Illinois a safer place for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.”
