Illinois Lawmakers Propose Decriminalizing Consensual Sex Work

Illinois Lawmakers Propose Decriminalizing Consensual Sex Work

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Lawmakers in Illinois have introduced a bill that would completely decriminalize consensual sex work in the state.

In addition to decriminalizing sex work, SB 2391 — dubbed the Keeping Sex Workers Safe Act — would provide basic rights and protections for sex workers and expunge their criminal records of all charges related to consensual sex work.

"This legislation is about fairness, safety, and dignity,” bill sponsor Sen. Celina Villanueva said in a statement. "By decriminalizing consensual adult sex work and removing harmful statutes, we’re taking a stand against outdated policies that do more harm than good."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's fellow Democrat, Rep. Will Guzzardi, is the prime sponsor behind companion legislation in the state House.

"Full decriminalization of adult consensual sex work is proven to keep workers safe," said Guzzardi. "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 boasts the support of activist groups Equality Illinois and the Sex Worker Advisory Group (SWAG).

SWAG chair Reyna Ortiz, who also serves on the board of Equality Illinois, said at a news conference that passing the legislation "will make Illinois a safer place for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities."

Decrying punitive anti-sex-work laws, Guzzardi said, "People deserve safety, people deserve dignity, people deserve respect," the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Sex workers are also disproportionately the victims of abuse — especially trans sex workers — and Brian Johnson, the CEO of Equality Illinois, said he believes that decriminalizing consensual sex work would help solve that problem.

Johnson explained how the new legislation, which calls for a "Bill of Rights" for sex workers, would empower its practitioners to report crimes to the police, which often doesn't happen because they're afraid they could be arrested due to how they earn a living.

“The threat of arrest and prosecution keeps sex workers unsafe and in the shadows, and this threat must be eliminated,” Johnson told WBEZ. “This law is essential now more than ever.”

Should the legislation be passed into law, Illinois would become the first state to decriminalize consensual sex work. In Nevada, sex work is legal in more than half of the state's 17 counties, but not statewide — and even then, only in licensed brothels within those counties.

Industry attorney Lawrence Walters told XBIZ that the Illinois bill takes a different approach from Nevada's, one favored by sex workers: decriminalization.

"The 'legalization' model typically imposes burdensome obligations such as the permitting of brothels and sex workers, zoning restrictions, advertising regulations, mandatory counseling and health screenings," Walters said. "These regulations often require disclosure of personal information to the government, which can result in an invasion of privacy."

Under the Illinois bill's approach, however, the activity is no longer subject to any criminal penalties and can be offered by willing participants without any governmental regulation or permission.

"Decriminalization advocates frequently argue that this approach is preferable to legalization since sex workers should not be subject to additional burdens and regulations that are not imposed on other types of workers," Walters explained. "Singling out sex workers for additional regulatory oversight can be viewed as a form of discrimination."

Walters noted that the decriminalization approach also furthers the goals of bodily autonomy, privacy, and sexual freedom.

XBIZ will provide further updates on SB 2391 as it makes its way through the Illinois state legislature.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Publishes Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

Michael Pratt, former owner of the rogue website GirlsDoPorn, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on Thursday to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking charges, according to a report by City News Service.

Master Nico Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Master Nico has relaunched his official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Federal Judge Grants Partial Halt of Florida AV Law

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, has granted a preliminary injunction against HB 3, the state's age verification law, as a lawsuit filed by two online trade associations challenging the law makes its way through the courts.

Aylo Releases Statement on Suspending Access to Pornhub in France

Technology and media company Aylo, which operates adult sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, has released a public statement regarding its decision to block access to its sites in France.

Pineapple Support to Host Wellness Sessions at Bucharest Summit

Pineapple Support is hosting free group and one-on-one therapy sessions at Bucharest Summit, June 3-5.

Pornhub Blocks Access in France in Response to SREN Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo has opted to block access to its sites in France rather than comply with age verification requirements under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Show More