With Milwaukee a prime hub for human trafficking, legal sex work is not the answer
A leading Democratic candidate for Wisconsin governor is backing legislation that would decriminalize prostitution for adults and create a “sex workers’ bill of rights,” drawing sharp criticism from conservatives who say the measure normalizes exploitation, coercion, and sex trafficking.
Assembly Bill 1193, courtesy of Rep. Francesca Hong and her socialist colleagues, would wipe away criminal penalties for prostitution, solicitation, and running brothels—as long as everyone involved is an adult. The bill would enshrine a ‘sex workers’ bill of rights,’ because apparently, the left believes the answer to Wisconsin’s problems is to grant hookers the same labor protections as teachers and nurses.
Hong, viewed as many as the Democrats’ frontrunner for governor, is touting this as a bold leap toward legitimizing sex work. The sponsors claim it’s about removing stigma and making things safer, as if slapping a government seal of approval on prostitution magically erases the ugly realities that come with it.
The so-called ‘sex workers’ bill of rights’ spells it out: if you’re selling ‘consensual sexual services,’ you get immunity from prosecution, minimum wage, overtime, anti-discrimination protections, workers’ comp, health benefits, privacy, and a violence-free workplace. One can only assume the next step is union cards for hookers and a Division of Erotic Labor at Wisconsin’s Department of Safety and Professional Services. Even independent contractors get a nod as legitimate business owners. Discrimination against sex workers in housing, public services, financial services, or health care would also be barred.
Conservatives, including radio host Vicki McKenna, slammed the proposal. McKenna posted on X that the bill reflects the priorities of Wisconsin Democrats’ leading gubernatorial hopeful. She tagged Republican leaders, urging opposition.
Wisconsin would join a small number of states experimenting with looser prostitution laws. Nevada remains the only state permitting legal prostitution, but only through strictly regulated licensed brothels in 10 of its 17 counties. Brothels there face mandatory health testing and zoning restrictions, yet critics note persistent links to organized crime and trafficking in surrounding areas.
Maine took a narrower approach in 2023, partially decriminalizing the sale of sex under the so-called Nordic model while continuing to criminalize buyers and pimps. Illinois Democrats introduced SB 2391 in 2025 — the “Sex Workers’ Bill of Rights Act” — which mirrors Wisconsin’s proposal by fully decriminalizing consensual adult sex work and extending labor and anti-discrimination protections; the measure remains pending. In February 2026, Colorado Democrats filed SB 26-097 to repeal all state prostitution offenses, potentially making it the first state to fully legalize without Nevada-style regulation.
Opponents argue such measures send the wrong message in a state already grappling with human trafficking, with Milwaukee becoming a prime hub for human trafficking, and strip club owners recently charged with said crime. They contend that treating prostitution as ordinary work ignores well-documented realities of coercion, addiction, and violence that often accompany the trade, even when labeled “consensual.” Republicans and family advocacy groups say the bill prioritizes ideological goals over protecting vulnerable women and children.
