While the rest of the world is working hard to ban online pornography, Illinois lawmakers have introduced a bill that would decriminalize prostitution statewide, marking one of the most significant pushes for sex workers’ rights and labor protections in U.S. history.

Apparently watching two people have sex is bad, but they are cool with hiring someone to give you a blowjob. Make it make sense?!

The legislation, backed by State Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-12th Dist.) and State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) seeks to remove criminal penalties for consensual sex work and create a comprehensive Sex Workers’ Bill of Rights.

If passed, Illinois would become the first state outside Nevada to decriminalize prostitution fully.

The Keeping Sex Workers Safe Act includes:

✔ Full decriminalization of consensual adult sex work.
✔ Expungement of past prostitution-related arrests and convictions.
✔ A sex workers’ bill of rights, which guarantees:

• Labor protections, including the right to unionize.
• A minimum wage of $15 per hour.
• Anti-discrimination and workplace safety measures.
• Access to healthcare, including workers’ compensation benefits.

Advocates argue that criminalization makes sex work more dangerous, forcing workers into the shadows where they are more vulnerable to violence and exploitation.

“For 20 years, I worked as a sex worker here in Chicago,” said Reyna Ortiz, a former sex worker and chair of the Sex Worker Advisory Group (SWAG).

“I 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.”

✔ Equality Illinois, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, strongly supports the bill.
✔ The group cited Human Rights Campaign data showing that LGBTQ+ sex workers face disproportionate violence and discrimination.

Brian Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, stated:

“The threat of arrest and prosecution keeps sex workers unsafe and in the shadows. This law is essential now more than ever.”

Critics argue that legalizing prostitution would normalize exploitation, and encourage pimps and traffickers rather than protect vulnerable workers.

✔ David E. Smith, executive director of Illinois Family Action, fiercely opposed the measure, saying:

“What young person wants to grow up and be a receptacle for others’ sexual fluids?”

✔ David Smith of the Illinois Family Institute expressed concerns that the bill would lead to the proliferation of brothels, asking:

“Is this what our Main Streets are going to look like? The weed shop next to the brothel next to the mini-casino?”

✔ Rep. John Cabello (R-Rockford) rejected the notion that prostitution laws are the real source of harm:

“It’s the drugs, the lifestyle, and the pimps that make prostitution dangerous. It has nothing to do with the law.”

If Illinois passes this legislation, it would join countries like New Zealand, Germany, and the Netherlands, which have decriminalized or legalized prostitution with regulated working conditions.

However, only Nevada currently allows legalized prostitution in the U.S., and only in licensed brothels.

The bill has already sparked heated debate, with Governor J.B. Pritzker expected to weigh in soon.

Meanwhile, lawmakers are also considering a separate measure to replace “prostitute” with “person engaged in the sex trade” in state statutes, which has already passed the Illinois General Assembly and is awaiting Pritzker’s signature.