{'byline': 'by Joe Hiti', 'hosts': '', 'byline_sources': 'Audacy', 'hide_author': True, 'audience_id': '', 'original_station': [{'station': 'wwjnewsradio', 'path': 'wwjnewsradio/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}], 'syndicated_items': [{'station': 'wben', 'path': '/wben/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': 'krld', 'path': '/krld/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': 'kdkaradio', 'path': '/kdkaradio/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': 'kdawn', 'path': '/kdawn/news/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': 'talk980am', 'path': '/talk980am/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': 'wccoradio', 'path': '/wccoradio/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': 'kmox', 'path': '/kmox/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': 'knss', 'path': '/knss/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': 'wtic', 'path': '/wtic/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': '971talk', 'path': '/971talk/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': 'wwl', 'path': '/wwl/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': '1210wpht', 'path': '/1210wpht/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': 'kmbz', 'path': '/kmbz/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'station': 'kcbsradio', 'path': '/kcbsradio/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}], 'original_item': {'_index': 'published-content_v43', '_type': '_doc', '_score': None, '_source': {'date': '2025-01-15T17:16:02.678Z', 'lead': [{'data': {'title': "FDA says that decongestant in many cold medicines doesn't work. So what does?", 'thumbnail_url': 'https://s2.dmcdn.net/v/XhVBa1dX_tKrlx8Pa', 'id': 'x9cexus', 'created_time': 1736957375, 'mode': 'vod', 'private_id': 'k6qfHL62IPuospCeSO0', 'owner': 'x2yit8a', 'description': "FDA says that decongestant in many cold medicines doesn't work. So what does?", 'channel': 'news', 'tags': ['KYWAM', 'news', 'ap news', 'health'], 'private': True, 'addPublic': False}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/dailymotion/instances/cm5y5wc1u001d01u6auqmsmr0@published'}], 'slug': 'illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work', 'tags': ['Illinois', 'Decriminalization', 'Audacy News', 'National News', 'WBBM-AM'], 'feeds': {'msn': True, 'rss': True, 'postup': True, 'facebook': True, 'newsfeed': True, 'sitemaps': True, 'frequency': True, 'smartNews': True, 'apple-news': False, 'smart-news': True, 'most-popular': True, 'reversechron': True, 'google-news-feed': True}, 'hosts': [], 'adTags': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/ad-tags/instances/cm5y5wc1t000t01u6oob0pf8c@published'}, 'byline': [{'names': [{'name': 'Joe Hiti', 'text': 'Joe Hiti', 'slug': 'joe-hiti'}], 'sources': [{'text': 'Audacy'}], 'hosts': [], 'prefix': 'by'}], 'teaser': 'Illinois lawmakers are looking to decriminalize sex work', 'authors': ['Joe Hiti'], 'content': [{'data': {'text': '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.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1t000x01u6a7yzqzlu@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<iframe width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0" src="https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?&feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F7130419_2024-12-30-181519&withPlaylist=false&theme=dark&playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy"></iframe>', 'isIframe': True, 'componentVariation': 'html-embed', 'fbInstantArticleHtml': '<iframe width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0" src="https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?&feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F7130419_2024-12-30-181519&withPlaylist=false&theme=dark&playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy"></iframe>'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/html-embed/instances/cm5y5wc1t000y01u6l7ulg7kk@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'State Rep. Will Guzzardi and State Sen. Celina Villanueva are behind the latest effort to decriminalize sex work, which, if passed, would make Illinois the first state in the country.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1t000z01u60xv7ilqy@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'The decriminalization of sex work would make sexual services, erotic dancing, and pornography in exchange for money all legal means of work in the state.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1t001001u67adzd2ep@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Supporters of the movement say that making consensual adult sex work legal would give those who are already doing it off the record protections that other workers in other fields receive.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1t001101u6ryx16u6z@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'A study from the <a href="https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307782">American Journal of Public Health</a> estimates that 45% and 75% of all sex workers worldwide will experience violence at some point in their careers. Advocates say this law would look to rectify that.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1t001201u6r2yvs0fp@published'}, {'data': {'text': '“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 <a href="https://news.wttw.com/2025/01/13/advocates-lawmakers-seek-legalize-sex-work-illinois-people-deserve-respect-work-work">news conference announcing the proposed bill</a>. “This law is essential now more than ever.”', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1t001301u60opm9d29@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'However, the lawmakers have made clear that their bill would not allow for people to be coerced or threatened into the activities being made legal, as that is considered sex trafficking.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1u001401u6ub7hp4y5@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'The first step has already been taken, as the General Assembly passed a bill last week that Guzzardi proposed to change “prostitute” to “person engaged in the sex trade.” It will also prohibit law enforcement from knowingly or willingly participating in sex with a sex worker whom the officer is investigating.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1u001501u6goqbhwz7@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Also in the latest bill from Guzzardi and Villanueva are protections for sex workers from abuse by law enforcement, the automatic sealing of related court records, and the removal of language in Illinois law that some say is dehumanizing.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1u001601u6h2t63gs0@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<a href="https://www.findlaw.com/state/illinois-law/illinois-prostitution-laws.html">As things currently sit, sex work is classified under state law as a misdemeanor</a> for both the worker and anyone soliciting sex.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1u001701u6ii07p1iy@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'The solicitation of a minor is considered a felony. The legislation from Guzzardi and Villanueva would not change that classification.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1u001801u6qwgeevo9@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'However, details about how the bill would be implemented and regulated have yet to be shared.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1u001901u6djbn7nd9@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<a href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/01/15/illinois-decriminalize-sex-work-legislation?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_chicago&stream=top" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Guzzardi shared with Axios</a> that he will be introducing the bill later this month to the state General Assembly. The timeline for a vote on the legislation is not yet known.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1u001a01u6lyyksojs@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<iframe width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0" src="https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?&feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F7143275_2025-01-10-022515&withPlaylist=false&theme=dark&playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy"></iframe>', 'isIframe': True, 'componentVariation': 'html-embed', 'fbInstantArticleHtml': '<iframe width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0" src="https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?&feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F7143275_2025-01-10-022515&withPlaylist=false&theme=dark&playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy"></iframe>'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/html-embed/instances/cm5y5wc1u001b01u67ympqouh@published'}, {'data': {'text': '“There is an epidemic of violence against sex workers in this country,” Guzzardi said Monday. “Something needs to be done to keep sex workers safe, and there’s no single thing we can do to solve this epidemic entirely. But there is a proven strategy that has worked in other places across the country and around the world, and that’s fully decriminalizing adult consensual sex work.”', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cm5y5wc1u001c01u6ocnsjl82@published'}], 'feedImg': {'data': {'alt': 'Illinois state capital building. ', 'url': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/GettyImages2160994744-715936cb-31c7-4bcf-8bb2-80d1a4bbd708.jpg', 'width': 683, 'credit': 'Getty Images', 'height': 512, 'mimeType': 'image/jpeg', 'sizeInBytes': '70326', 'componentVariation': 'feed-image'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/feed-image/instances/cm5y5wc1t000u01u64zvl4kt3@published'}, 'sources': [{'text': 'Audacy'}], '_version': 24, 'featured': False, 'headline': 'Illinois lawmakers are looking to decriminalize sex work', 'isCloned': True, 'msnTitle': 'Illinois lawmakers are looking to decriminalize sex work', 'slugLock': True, 'textTags': ['Illinois', 'Decriminalization', 'Audacy News', 'National News', 'WBBM-AM'], '_msnTitle': {'shouldOverride': False}, 'apContent': None, 'isOpinion': False, 'pageTitle': 'Illinois lawmakers are looking to decriminalize sex work', 'sideShare': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/share/instances/cm5y5wc1t000v01u6zbhpk0yx@published'}, 'feedImgUrl': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/GettyImages2160994744-715936cb-31c7-4bcf-8bb2-80d1a4bbd708.jpg', 'feedLayout': 'small', 'showSocial': True, 'stationURL': 'https://www.audacy.com/wwjnewsradio', 'breadcrumbs': [{'hidden': False, 'text': 'WWJ Newsradio 950', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wwjnewsradio'}, {'hidden': False, 'text': 'News', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wwjnewsradio/news'}, {'hidden': False, 'text': 'National', 'isLastVisibleDivider': True, 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wwjnewsradio/news/national'}, {'hidden': True, 'text': 'Illinois lawmakers are looking to decriminalize sex work', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/wwjnewsradio/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}], 'contentType': 'article', 'seoHeadline': 'Illinois lawmakers are looking to decriminalize sex work', 'stationName': 'WWJ Newsradio 950', 'stationSlug': 'wwjnewsradio', 'canonicalUrl': 'http://www.audacy.com/wwjnewsradio/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work', 'dateModified': '2025-01-15T19:08:23.191Z', 'featuredNews': True, 'sectionFront': 'news', 'fullWidthLead': False, 'shortHeadline': 'Illinois lawmakers are looking to decriminalize sex work', 'syndicatedUrl': 'https://www.audacy.com/wbbm780/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work', 'unityPageType': 'article', 'editorialFeeds': None, 'featuredSports': False, 'msnTitleLength': 56, 'seoDescription': '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.', 'stationLogoUrl': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/audacy2-a6a68df9-8a33-4507-8cff-de7b915cc615.jpg', 'isContentFromAP': False, 'noIndexNoFollow': False, 'pageDescription': '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.', 'primaryHeadline': 'Illinois lawmakers are looking to decriminalize sex work', 'stationCallsign': 'WWJAM', 'stationTimezone': 'ET', 'genreSyndication': None, 'manualSlugUnlock': False, 'socialDescription': 'Illinois lawmakers are looking to decriminalize sex work', 'syndicationStatus': 'syndicated', 'componentVariation': 'article', 'stationSyndication': [{'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'WBENAM', 'stationSlug': 'wben', 'stationName': 'WBEN', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/wben/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'KRLDAM', 'stationSlug': 'krld', 'stationName': 'NewsRadio 1080 KRLD', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/krld/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'isAddedToNewsletter': True, 'callsign': 'KDKAAM', 'stationSlug': 'kdkaradio', 'stationName': '100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/kdkaradio/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'KMXBHD3', 'stationSlug': 'kdawn', 'stationName': 'K-DAWN', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/kdawn/news/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'KMBZAM', 'stationSlug': 'talk980am', 'stationName': 'TALK 980am', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/talk980am/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'WCCOAM', 'stationSlug': 'wccoradio', 'stationName': '830 WCCO', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/wccoradio/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'KMOXAM', 'stationSlug': 'kmox', 'stationName': 'NewsRadio 1120 KMOX', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/kmox/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'KNSSAM', 'stationSlug': 'knss', 'stationName': 'KNSS Radio', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/knss/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'WTICAM', 'stationSlug': 'wtic', 'stationName': '1080 WTIC NEWSTALK', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/wtic/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'KFTKFM', 'stationSlug': '971talk', 'stationName': '97.1 FM Talk', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/971talk/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'WWLAM', 'stationSlug': 'wwl', 'stationName': 'WWL', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/wwl/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'WPHTAM', 'stationSlug': '1210wpht', 'stationName': 'Talk Radio 1210 WPHT', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/1210wpht/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'KMBZFM', 'stationSlug': 'kmbz', 'stationName': 'KMBZ', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/kmbz/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}, {'sectionFront': 'news', 'callsign': 'KCBSAM', 'stationSlug': 'kcbsradio', 'stationName': 'KCBS All News 106.9FM and 740AM', 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/kcbsradio/news/national/illinois-lawmakers-are-looking-to-decriminalize-sex-work'}], 'hasSecondaryBylines': False, 'corporateSyndication': None, 'rollingStandoutCount': 0, 'secondarySectionFront': 'national', 'contentPageSponsorLogo': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/google-ad-manager/instances/cm5y5wc1t000w01u6tadtcz3f@published'}, 'displayLogoSponsorship': False, 'plaintextShortHeadline': 'Illinois lawmakers are looking to decriminalize sex work', '_opinionHeadlineOverride': {'shouldOverride': False}, 'plaintextPrimaryHeadline': 'Illinois lawmakers are looking to decriminalize sex work', 'canBeMarkedGoogleStandout': True, 'isContentFromNoIndexByline': False, 'availableStandoutArticleInventory': True, 'articleWithinGoogleStandoutPublishDateLimit': True, 'site': 'demo'}, 'sort': [4222119], 'stationSlug': 'wccoradio', 'original_id': 'www.audacy.com/_components/article/instances/cm5y5wc1u001e01u6940jmr18@published'}}

Condition: Post with Page_List

Video

National

Illinois lawmakers are looking to decriminalize sex work

By Joe Hiti Jan 15, 2025

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.

State Rep. Will Guzzardi and State Sen. Celina Villanueva are behind the latest effort to decriminalize sex work, which, if passed, would make Illinois the first state in the country.

The decriminalization of sex work would make sexual services, erotic dancing, and pornography in exchange for money all legal means of work in the state.

Supporters of the movement say that making consensual adult sex work legal would give those who are already doing it off the record protections that other workers in other fields receive.

A study from the American Journal of Public Health estimates that 45% and 75% of all sex workers worldwide will experience violence at some point in their careers. Advocates say this law would look to rectify that.

“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. “This law is essential now more than ever.”

However, the lawmakers have made clear that their bill would not allow for people to be coerced or threatened into the activities being made legal, as that is considered sex trafficking.

The first step has already been taken, as the General Assembly passed a bill last week that Guzzardi proposed to change “prostitute” to “person engaged in the sex trade.” It will also prohibit law enforcement from knowingly or willingly participating in sex with a sex worker whom the officer is investigating.

Also in the latest bill from Guzzardi and Villanueva are protections for sex workers from abuse by law enforcement, the automatic sealing of related court records, and the removal of language in Illinois law that some say is dehumanizing.

As things currently sit, sex work is classified under state law as a misdemeanor for both the worker and anyone soliciting sex.

The solicitation of a minor is considered a felony. The legislation from Guzzardi and Villanueva would not change that classification.

However, details about how the bill would be implemented and regulated have yet to be shared.

Guzzardi shared with Axios that he will be introducing the bill later this month to the state General Assembly. The timeline for a vote on the legislation is not yet known.

“There is an epidemic of violence against sex workers in this country,” Guzzardi said Monday. “Something needs to be done to keep sex workers safe, and there’s no single thing we can do to solve this epidemic entirely. But there is a proven strategy that has worked in other places across the country and around the world, and that’s fully decriminalizing adult consensual sex work.”

Condition: Post with Page_List