Prostitution Laws: What’s Legal, What’s Not, and How It Affects Sex Workers

When we talk about prostitution laws, the legal rules that govern the exchange of sex for money. Also known as sex work legislation, it’s not just about what’s allowed—it’s about who gets punished, who stays safe, and who’s left behind. These laws aren’t the same everywhere. In some places, selling sex is a crime. In others, buying it is illegal. A few places treat it like any other job. The difference isn’t just legal—it’s life or death.

Decriminalization of sex work, removing criminal penalties for consensual adult sex work isn’t a buzzword—it’s backed by the WHO and the UN. Studies show it cuts violence, reduces HIV transmission, and lets workers report abuse without fear. Meanwhile, criminalization pushes work underground, making it harder to screen clients, access healthcare, or call police when something goes wrong. Sex worker rights, the basic human rights of people who exchange sex for money are tied directly to these laws. When laws treat sex workers as criminals instead of workers, they lose access to housing, banking, and even child custody.

And it’s not just about the act itself. State sex work laws, how individual U.S. states regulate or ban sex work can mean the difference between a fine and a felony. Nevada allows licensed brothels. Most other states make even talking about services online a crime. Advertising restrictions, police raids, and digital censorship don’t stop sex work—they just make it riskier. Workers who used to screen clients online are now forced into street-based work, where danger spikes.

It’s also about what happens after arrest. Court processes, expungement options, and record sealing vary wildly. Some states automatically clear old convictions. Others make it nearly impossible. These legal traps stick with people for decades—blocking jobs, housing, and even travel. The system doesn’t just punish the act—it punishes the person long after they’ve moved on.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But the data is clear: laws that protect sex workers’ safety and autonomy work better than laws that criminalize them. This collection of posts gives you real, practical insight into how these laws play out on the ground—from what to do during a police encounter, to how to stay safe indoors, to how to clear a criminal record. You’ll find guides written by and for people who live under these rules every day. No theory. No assumptions. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you need to know to stay safe and informed.