USA: Colorado would become first state to remove all criminal penalties for prostitution under bill brought by group of Democrats

While prostitution is legal in Nevada at licensed brothels in certain counties, and Maine decriminalized the selling of sexual services, no state has fully removed the criminal penalties for prostitution, writes Jesse Paul.

Colorado would become the first state to fully remove criminal penalties for prostitution among consenting adults if the legislature passes a bill this year proposed by a group of Democrats.

Senate Bill 97, which was introduced this week, would erase the state crimes of prostitution, soliciting for prostitution, patronizing a prostitute and keeping a place of prostitution.

While prostitution is legal in Nevada at licensed brothels in certain counties, and in 2023 Maine decriminalized the selling of sexual services, no state has fully legalized prostitution.

Read full article: Colorado would become first state to remove all criminal penalties for prostitution under bill brought by group of Democrats

Date:
20 July, 2026

Type of Update:
In the Courts
In the News
Recent Events

Themes:
Courts Systems
Human Rights
Petty Offences
Public Health
Use of Public Spaces

Countries:
United States

Regions:
North America

The Campaign to Decriminalise Poverty and Status is a coalition of organisations from across the world that advocate for the repeal of laws that target people based on poverty, status or for their activism.

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