Sean Walton – January 15, 2020
A bill has been proposed in the Vermont Legislature to decriminalize adult prostitution.
The legislation is co-sponsored by four female legislators. Rep. Selene Colburn, a Burlington progressive, said she thinks that decriminalizing sex work will improve safety and health of prostitutes.
“The underlying question is do we need to criminalize consensual sex between adults on any terms?,” she said. Sex trafficking, exploitation and solicitation of minors will remain a serious felony, she said.
The lawmakers say the World Health Organization agrees with them. Nevada is the only state that currently allows prostitution.
The bill is pending in Vermont’s House Judiciary Committee.