Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government
Model Legislature
BILL #: 5604
Download PDFBE IT ENACTED BY THE YOUTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA YOUTH LEGISLATURE –
An act to
Decriminalize and Decarcerate Sex Workers
SECTION I - PURPOSE
This bill aims to make the act of consenting adults exchanging sexual contact and penetration for money no longer a
criminal offense. This bill would also release anyone currently in prison, jail or on probation for solicitation of a
consenting adult or prostitution.
SECTION II - JUSTIFICATION
When sex work is decriminalized, people in the industry tend to feel more comfortable saying no to clients and going to
law enforcement when they experience violence. New Zealand has decriminalized sex work and experienced a drop in
violence against sex workers. It is also expensive and a misuse of tax payer dollars to lock people up for engaging in a
natural human desire.
SECTION III - DEFINITIONS
Consenting Adult- a person aged 18 or older willingly participating in an activity
Sexual Contact- As defined by Minnesota State Statute 609.321 Subdivision 10, sexual contact is the intentional touching
of one’s genitalia
Sexual Penetration- As defined by Minnesota State Statute 609.321 Subdivision 11, Sexual penetration" means any of the
following acts, if for the purpose of satisfying sexual impulses: sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anal
intercourse, or any intrusion however slight into the genital or anal openings of an individual's body by any part of
another individual's body or any object used for the purpose of satisfying sexual impulses. Emission of semen is not
necessary.
Solicitation of a consenting adult- Buying or attempting to buy sexual contact or penetration from a consenting adult
Prostitution- Being hired for sexual contact or penetration
SECTION IV - FUNDING
Ending arrests for sex work and releasing currently imprisoned individuals does not require money.
SECTION V – PENALTIES/ENFORCEMENT
If any law enforcement agency or officer detains or arrests a consenting adult for prostitution or solicitation of a
consenting adult they will face wrongful imprisonment charges. The offending officer also opens themselves and their
agency to lawsuits for false imprisonment.
SECTION VI – EFFECTIVE DATE
Decriminalization will begin on April 1st, 2026.
Decarceration will begin on April 1st, 2026 and will need to be completed by October 1st, 2026.