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.