UPDATE: Colorado lawmakers have just proposed a groundbreaking bill that could make the state the first in the U.S. to fully decriminalize prostitution. Introduced by four Democratic lawmakers, Senate Bill 97 aims to eliminate criminal penalties for commercial sexual activity, a significant shift following years of advocacy from sex worker groups.
The bill, unveiled last week, would not legalize prostitution or create a regulatory framework similar to that of marijuana in Colorado or Nevada’s brothels. However, it would remove criminal charges for adults engaged in consensual sexual activities, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over sex work in America.
“Whatever your morals are, I don’t believe the government should be involved in the bedroom of consenting adults,” said Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, a key sponsor from Pueblo. He emphasized the harmful repercussions of criminalization, citing a recent international study linking criminalized prostitution with adverse health outcomes for sex workers.
While the proposal has garnered some initial support from Gov. Jared Polis, who is open to reviewing the bill, it faces significant challenges in the legislature. Critics, including conservative lawmakers, have already begun to voice their opposition on social media. Hinrichsen acknowledged that navigating moral judgments within his own party might be the toughest hurdle.
Supporters of the bill include current and former sex workers who argue that decriminalization will make the profession safer and reduce vulnerability to violence and abuse. Ella West, a Denver escort, expressed her surprise at the bill’s introduction, stating, “Just the fact there’s even four legislators that are willing to bring this is huge.”
The bill’s introduction comes amid increasing discussions about sex worker rights and safety, particularly after lawmakers granted immunity from prostitution charges to workers reporting serious crimes in 2022. Advocates argue that criminalization forces sex work underground, exposing workers to dangerous situations.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to review the bill in the coming weeks, but past resistance to progressive criminal justice reforms raises concerns about its passage. The Colorado District Attorneys Council has taken a neutral stance, with a formal position expected soon.
Critics like Michael Allen, the El Paso County district attorney, have condemned the bill, claiming it distracts from more pressing issues such as rising crime rates and the cost of living. He stated, “Radical Democrats in the legislature are focused on legalizing prostitution — it’s disgraceful.”
Despite the uphill battle, advocates remain hopeful. Devynn Dewey, director of Don’t Strip Our Rights, stated, “Decriminalization makes workers safer.” The bill’s potential success could represent a significant cultural shift regarding perceptions of sex work in the U.S.
As the legislative process unfolds, supporters are urging the public to engage with the issue, emphasizing that discussions on sex worker rights are long overdue. “This bill posits sex work as a viable way to earn a living,” West said, highlighting the changing attitudes towards sex work in society.
Stay tuned for updates as Colorado lawmakers deliberate this transformative proposal.