State lawmakers in Illinois are preparing to introduce a bill that would make the state the first in the U.S. to fully decriminalize sex work. Advocates, including Equality Illinois and the Sex Worker Advisory Group (SWAG), have worked for over three years to promote this change. The proposed legislation aims to reduce violence and create safer working conditions for sex workers.
“For over 20 years, I worked as a sex worker in Chicago, constantly fearing violence,” said Reyna Ortiz, chair of SWAG. “This bill will make Illinois safer, especially for our most vulnerable communities.”
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Will Guzzardi and Sen. Celina Villanueva, both Democrats from Chicago, would remove criminal penalties for adults engaged in consensual sex work. It also aims to clear arrest and conviction records for sex workers and introduce a Sex Workers’ Bill of Rights. Advocates believe these changes will allow sex workers to screen clients better and meet in safer locations. It would also enable them to report crimes without fearing legal repercussions.
Brian Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, highlighted the dangers sex workers face. “The threat of arrest keeps sex workers hidden and unsafe,” he said. “This law is essential for their safety and dignity.”
Statistics show the urgent need for action. A study from the American Journal of Public Health found that 45% to 75% of sex workers experience violence during their careers. In Illinois, two-thirds of trans people killed in the last decade were sex workers.
“This epidemic of violence demands action,” said Guzzardi. “Decriminalizing consensual sex work has been proven to improve safety in other places. Illinois should do the same.”
The bill does not protect sex traffickers or those who harm sex workers. It strictly focuses on consensual adult sex work.
Guzzardi addressed critics of the bill, saying, “People deserve safety, dignity, and respect, not punishment for their work.”
Illinois reduced prostitution from a felony to a misdemeanor in 2013, but sex workers still face jail time and fines. Advocates hope full decriminalization will remove stigma and offer greater freedom.
“Sex workers are regular people—parents, business owners, and social workers—just trying to live their lives,” said Jayr, a SWAG member.
Johnson added, “Decriminalizing sex work sends a strong message: sex workers deserve safety, respect, and autonomy. Nothing less will do.”
