Illinois Legislators and community groups will Introduce a Landmark Bill to Protect Sex Workers and Ensure Safety and Privacy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 13th, 2025

Illinois Legislators and community groups will Introduce a Landmark Bill to Protect Sex Workers and Ensure Safety and Privacy

Chicago, IL – Illinois State Representative Will Guzzardi and State Senator Celina Villanueva will introduce a landmark piece of legislation to keep sex workers safe through the full decriminalization of sex work in Illinois and strengthen protections for sex workers in Illinois. Lead by the tireless work of the Sex Worker Advisory Group (SWAG), the bill will modernize existing laws and implement practices that prioritize the safety, privacy, and dignity of adults engaged in consensual sex work.

The Sex Worker Advisory Group—a powerful coalition of Black and Brown, current and former sex workers, many of whom identify as trans, gender diverse, and/or queer—has been advocating for over three years to address the unique challenges faced by sex workers in Illinois. SWAG members combine lived experience, policy expertise, community care, and organizing to build safer systems and environments for sex workers, ultimately working to reduce harm and increase protection under the law.

"This bill represents a monumental step forward in recognizing the rights, safety, and humanity of sex workers," said SWAG’s chair Reyna Ortiz. "For too long, sex workers have faced stigmatization and legal challenges that put their lives and livelihoods at risk. 75% of sex workers will be assaulted during their career and ⅔ of all Trans people killed in recent years have been sex workers. By passing this legislation, we will make Illinois a safer place for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities."

The bill introduces a range of important policy changes, including:

Clean up unused criminal statues that cause harm.
Codify current law enforcement practices.
Remove criminal penalties for adults engaging in consensual sex work.
Remove past criminal arrest and conviction records for sex workers.
Remove employment barriers for people convicted of sex work related offenses.
Protect bodily autonomy by ending government interference in adults engaging in consensual sex.
Establishes a sex workers bill of rights.
Full decriminalization of sex work was already adopted in the State of Illinois’ Getting to Zero Plan

"Sex workers deserve dignity and protection, just like any other member of our society," said Equality Illinois’ CEO Brian C. Johnson. "This legislation is about more than just legal reform—it’s about ensuring that all people, regardless of their occupation, are treated with respect and afforded the same protections under the law."

“This legislation is about fairness, safety, and dignity. By decriminalizing consensual adult sex work and removing harmful statutes, we’re taking a stand against outdated policies that do more harm than good,” said State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago). “It’s time to protect bodily autonomy, break down barriers to employment, and give individuals a real chance to rebuild their lives. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live free from stigma and systemic harm—this is a step toward justice and equity for all.”

"Violence against sex workers is an epidemic in our state and across the country," said State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago). "Full decriminalization of adult consensual sex work is proven to keep workers safe. 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."

The introduction of this bill comes after years of advocacy and collaboration with SWAG and other community-based organizations. The bill represents a commitment to listening to and empowering those most affected by sex work policies, and is a crucial step toward ensuring the safety and well-being of marginalized groups.

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