Illinois lawmakers have introduced a bill that would decriminalize prostitution and create a sex worker's bill of rights.

The threat of arrest and prosecution keeps sex workers unsafe and in the shadows, and this threat must be eliminated,” Brian Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, said Monday at a news conference announcing the proposed bill.

A group of lawmakers and advocates have teamed up to propose a bill of rights for Illinois sex workers. State Representative Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) and State Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) are hoping to file a bill that will fully decriminalize sex work in the state.

A new bill is in the works in Illinois from two state lawmakers who are pushing to decriminalize sex work, a topic that has sparked new conversations in recent years about the practice.

Illinois Democrats will introduce a bill decriminalizing sex work, expunge sex workers' records, and create a sex workers' bill of rights.

Is that what our Main Streets are going to look like — the weed shop next to the brothel next to the mini casino?,’ one critic wonders.