Prostitution will not be legalized in Colorado – Bill dies before first vote

Opinions and emotions were running high a couple of weeks ago when a bill was introduced in Colorado that would made the state just the second in the nation to allow prostitution, behind Nevada, which permits prostitution at licensed brothels in certain counties. Colorado’s law would have gone even further, though, making it the first state to remove all criminal penalties for prostitution. Those opposing the bill can breathe a sigh of relief now though.

Senate Bill 26-097 would have decriminalized commercial sexual activity between consenting adults, eliminating criminal penalties for prostitution and soliciting prostitution. The bill was scheduled for its first hearing today (Mar. 11) in the Senate Judiciary Committee, but sponsors killed the bill because it lacks enough support to pass the committee.

State Senator Nick Hinrichsen, the bill’s lead sponsor, was asked if he plans to reintroduce the bill in a future legislative session, he says: “I hope, someday soon, their voices can be heard, and that the policy will be brought back for future consideration.”