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.

Two Illinois lawmakers want to decriminalize sex work, a move advocates say is long overdue. Why it matters: Supporters say decriminalization would allow consensual adult sex workers to move out of the shadows and get legal protections that workers in other fields get.

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.

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