Why This Fight Matters to the 57/70 Task Force
As members of the 57/70 Task Force, we find ourselves compelled to protest against HB3518 and SB2391—two dangerous bills that would decriminalize prostitution in Illinois, opening the door for traffickers and exploiters to prey on vulnerable individuals in our state.

Unbelievably, the harsh reality of prostitution is being misconstrued as mere "work"—but let's not ignore the truth. Prostitution is exploitation. Studies have shown that decriminalizing or legalizing prostitution leads to increased human trafficking. A study published in World Development found that countries with legalized prostitution see higher rates of human trafficking inflows. When the sex trade is normalized, it does not empower individuals—it empowers traffickers, pimps, and buyers who profit from coercion and abuse.

Decriminalization Fuels Trafficking & Exploitation
Proponents of HB3518 and SB2391 claim these bills would make individuals in the sex trade safer, but the reality is far more dangerous. In places like Germany and the Netherlands, where prostitution has been legalized or decriminalized, human trafficking has surged, organized crime has flourished, and vulnerable individuals—including minors—have suffered greater exploitation. Illinois would become a magnet for traffickers, putting countless lives at risk.

A Direct Threat to Our Communities
The 57/70 corridor is already a known hotspot for trafficking, with traffickers using our highways to move victims across cities and states. These bills would make our fight against trafficking even harder, stripping law enforcement of the tools they need to intervene. Without legal deterrents, traffickers would operate more freely, and survivors would face even greater barriers to escaping exploitation.

Prostitution is NOT "Work"—It’s Coercion
We reject the false narrative that prostitution is simply "work." The majority of individuals in prostitution do not freely choose this life—they are forced, manipulated, or coerced due to poverty, addiction, abuse, or trafficking. Decriminalization does not protect them—it protects their exploiters. Instead of normalizing prostitution, Illinois should invest in exit programs, survivor resources, and stronger anti-trafficking laws.

We Call on Illinois Leaders to Take a Stand
Illinois must be a protector of victims, not a facilitator of their suffering. We must strengthen anti-trafficking laws, not offer traffickers a free pass. We must support law enforcement, not create new barriers to stopping exploitation.

For these reasons, we urge lawmakers to reject HB3518 and SB2391 and take real action to:

✅ Protect trafficking victims
✅ Enforce laws against pimps, traffickers, and buyers
✅ Invest in resources to help individuals escape exploitation

Illinois must choose protection over profit, safety over solicitation, and justice over exploitation.

Join us in saying NO to HB3518 and SB2391. Sign our petition today.