The landscape of sex work in the U.S. may be on the verge of a historic shift as Illinois considers becoming the first state to fully decriminalize consensual adult sex work. Under a new bill proposed by State Representative Will Guzzardi and State Senator Celina Villanueva, the criminal penalties for adults engaging in sex work would be completely removed, paving the way for greater safety, autonomy, and rights for those in the industry.

Why This Matters

For decades, sex workers have faced arrest, violence, and exploitation, often with little recourse. Criminalization forces many into dangerous situations, discourages them from reporting abuse, and increases their risk of harm. The proposed legislation would not only eliminate these legal threats but also expunge past convictions, giving countless individuals a chance to rebuild their lives without the stigma of a criminal record.

Advocates say this is long overdue. Reyna Ortiz, chair of the Sex Worker Advisory Group, shared her own experience:

“For over 20 years, I worked as a sex worker in Chicago, living under constant fear of violence. By passing this legislation, we will make Illinois a safer place for everyone—especially the most vulnerable in our communities.”

The Reality of Criminalized Sex Work

Sex work isn’t going anywhere. It’s been around for centuries, yet the laws surrounding it continue to endanger the very people they claim to protect. According to global studies, 45-75% of sex workers experience violence in their careers. In Illinois, a troubling statistic emerged—two-thirds of trans individuals killed in the past decade were sex workers.

Brian Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, emphasized why this law is needed now more than ever:

“The threat of arrest and prosecution keeps sex workers unsafe and in the shadows. This must change.”

What the Bill Actually Does

If passed, this law will:
✅ Remove all criminal penalties for consensual adult sex work
✅ Expunge past prostitution convictions
✅ Establish a sex workers’ bill of rights
✅ Maintain strict laws against human trafficking and exploitation

This isn’t about promoting sex work—it’s about protecting those involved in it. Workers would be able to vet clients more safely, report abuse without fear, and access services without discrimination.

A Step Toward a Safer Future

Illinois has already made moves in this direction. In 2013, the state downgraded prostitution charges from a felony to a misdemeanor, yet the punishment still includes up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. The new bill seeks to eliminate these penalties entirely.

If successful, Illinois could set the stage for nationwide change. Other places, like New Zealand and parts of Australia, have already decriminalized sex work, and the results? Lower violence rates, better health outcomes, and improved relationships between workers and law enforcement.