Colorado Democrats are pushing an effort to decriminalize prostitution in the state. Under Senate Bill 26-097, “An adult who engages in consensual commercial sexual activity with another adult does not violate state law or an ordinance, resolution, regulation, or code adopted by a statutory or home rule city, town, city and county, or county.”
“Criminalizing prostitution endangers adults who engage in consensual sexual activity,” the bill reads. “Fear of criminal punishment among consenting adults engaged in commercial sexual activity encourages physical, emotional, and structural violence against sex workers, subjects them to economic crimes, and increases resistance to harm-reduction practices. Sex workers are less likely to report these crimes or seek medical help following an assault.”
The legislation further states that “decriminalizing commercial sexual activity among consenting adults is a matter of statewide concern.”
“Sex work transactions often occur online, spanning multiple local government jurisdictions,” the bill reads. “Sex workers deserve clarity and certainty that they can safely conduct business within the state, regardless of the local governing authority.”
Maine became the first state to partially decriminalize prostitution in 2023, allowing the sale of sexual activity. Similarly, Nevada allows prostitution within licensed houses.
“I don’t think this is something that we should shy away from because it’s uncomfortable,” State Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, a Democrat and a lead sponsor of the bill, told The Colorado Sun. “I am convinced that the (current) outcomes for individuals who are are involved in sex work are really harmful, and I think it’s doing a disservice to them — it’s doing a disservice to our communities. It’s not making us any safer.”
Other lawmakers sponsoring the bill include Democrat State Senator Lisa Cutter and State Reps. Lorena Garcia and Rebekah Stewart, both Democrats.
