MONTPELIER, Vt. – Some Vermont lawmakers hope to make prostitution safer and remove the stigma that often prevents sex workers from seeking police protection and health care.
A bill introduced last month by four female legislators would decriminalize prostitution, while the state would maintain its laws against sex trafficking.
However, the bill's lead sponsor thinks a related proposal will have a better chance at movement this year.
That bill would give immunity to people who were victims of or witnessed a crime while engaged in prostitution or sex trafficking so they can report it to law enforcement.
The push in Vermont is part of a small but growing movement to decriminalize prostitution.
Right now, Nevada is the only state in the U.S. to allow some legal prostitution.
