Victims of sex trafficking would have additional protections against prosecution for prostitution under legislation that received Illinois Senate approval.
Chicago Democratic Sen. John Mulroe’s measure would provide such victims with an “affirmative defense” that defeats criminal charges.
READ THE BILL The bill is SB1588
Prostitution is a Class A misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Mulroe says people sold as sex slaves “live in a dark and heart-breaking world” made worse “when our justice system fails them.”
The Senate approved the proposal 55-9. It now moves to the House.
