Journalist: Kameron Sanders (TCC)
Who would have thought that we would have a bill on sex-work? I was told that there
were a few bills last year that focused on either prostitution or sex work, but I did not think about
them that much. But the thought came across last night, “there’s no way we’ll have another sex
work bill.” Chelsea Maxwell proposed a bill that would allow the licensing of sex workers.
When passed, the bill will allow sex work, within the premise of a brothel, with the proper
licensing.
To receive their license, sex workers are required to be the age of twenty-one, undergo
mandatory STI & STD tests, and can only perform sex work within a licensed brothel. Maxwell
said at the beginning that the bill will not make prostitution legal. However, the bill focuses on
making sex work a safer business for both parties. During caucusing, there was a large amount of
agreement and abstinent opinions.
I was interested in interviewing one senator specifically. Anderson Bell and I have
connected throughout session, but I was interested in his vote. Originally, he gave an “abstain”
vote but changed it to “no” when given the opportunity. Bell stated that he initially favored the
bill because he strongly opposes prohibition. “I think people should be free to do as they please,
and, you know, I think providing a regulatory framework for things that could be dangerous is
generally good” (Bell). He then told me that he felt there were too many loopholes for him to
positively support the bill. One of his worries was that it would create a data base of licensed sex
workers within the state. In a finishing statement, Bell said, “I think we need more sensible
policy than just prohibition, but ultimately, there were just a number of issues with the bill”
(Bell).
In the end, SE – 003 passed with 14 to 8. All sex workers and brothel are now required to
go though the licensing process.