Colorado Democrats Push To Legalize Prostitution Statewide

Colorado Democrats are moving forward with a prostitution bill that would make the Centennial State the first in the nation to fully legalize prostitution. At a time when residents are already grappling with rising crime and human trafficking, critics say this proposal sends exactly the wrong message.

Senate Bill 97, introduced by Democrat Senate Majority Whip Nick Hinrichsen, would repeal penalties for prostitution, which is currently classified as a petty offense under Colorado law. But the prostitution bill goes far beyond decriminalizing the act itself. It would legalize:

• Soliciting for prostitution

• Keeping a place of prostitution

• Patronizing a prostitute

• “Prostitute making display”

• Advertising prostitution and escort services

The bill would also strip language that currently labels buildings used for prostitution as public nuisances. Even more controversial, it would prohibit local governments from enacting their own bans, forcing communities across Colorado to accept legalized prostitution whether they want it or not.

Michael Allen, district attorney for Colorado’s 4th Judicial District and an unopposed candidate for state attorney general, blasted the prostitution bill as “disgraceful.”

“Coloradans are leaving this state in record numbers because crime is rising and the cost of living is out of control yet radical Democrats in the legislature are focused on legalizing prostitution,” Allen said.

The timing of the prostitution bill has many questioning the priorities of the Democratic majority. Colorado ranked 13th in the nation with 88 human trafficking cases in 2024. Preliminary data show 110 cases in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 107 in 2023. Human trafficking is often tied to drug cartels, organized criminal networks, and violent crime.

Allen warned that the prostitution bill could make an already troubling situation worse.

“Human trafficking is inseparable from violent crime, drug activity, and organized criminal networks,” he said. “Legalizing prostitution will only fuel these dangers and further victimize the most vulnerable among us.”

Nationally, the stakes are high. According to FBI data, violent crime remains a top concern for Americans, and Gallup polling consistently shows crime near the top of voter priorities heading into the 2024 election cycle. At the same time, the Polaris Project has reported thousands of trafficking cases annually across the United States, with sex trafficking representing a significant share.

Supporters of the prostitution bill argue that criminalizing prostitution endangers adults engaged in consensual activity. The legislation claims that “sex workers deserve clarity and certainty that they can safely conduct business within the state.” The ACLU of Colorado has thrown its support behind the measure.

But critics say this prostitution bill ignores the darker realities of the industry. Even in places where prostitution is legal in limited forms, such as certain counties in Nevada, strict regulations are in place. Maine has taken a different approach, legalizing the act of prostitution while criminalizing the purchase of sex. Colorado’s proposal would go further by legalizing both the selling and buying of sex statewide.

The bill’s co-sponsors include Senate Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Cutter and Democrat Representatives Lorena García and Rebekah Stewart. It has been assigned to the Judiciary Committee, where Democrats hold a 5-2 majority. If the prostitution bill passes, it would take effect immediately.

Several towns, including Fountain, Monument, and Woodland Park, are already opposing the legislation. Local leaders argue that communities should retain the right to set their own public safety standards rather than being overruled by lawmakers in Denver.

The broader concern is what this prostitution bill signals about leadership in Colorado. Families worried about fentanyl overdoses, property crime, and housing costs may wonder why legalizing prostitution has become a top legislative priority.

Colorado deserves policies that strengthen public safety, support victims of trafficking, and restore confidence in the rule of law. Instead, the prostitution bill appears poised to deepen divisions and test the limits of public tolerance.

As the debate unfolds, voters will have to decide whether this is the direction they want for their state. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.