Groups want to legalize prostitution and reduce rapes on college campuses

Two bills have grabbed the attention of Y&G delegates this year.
The first, H-O-13, was written solely on the intention of legalizing prostitution; while the second, H-O-10, was devised for the safety of people who have been raped.
Delegates believe that both pieces of legislation have a very powerful message behind them.
The bill sponsors for H-O-13, from Waubonsie Valley, believe Illinois would benefit from the legalization of prostitution because the new law will tax those who decide to become prostitutes, and it also will recognize the legal and social rights of those workers.
The legislation aims to end exploitation and abuse that currently exists in the industry of prostitution today.
Senate Sponsor Ayla Ahmed, said, “If this industry is legalized, it will protect the rights of those involved, and will also have many economic benefits”.
According to the bill sponsors, the legislation gives prostitutes a sense of safety and security knowing they now would have the ability to report a rape incident and be protected from it.
The creators of this bill made it clear in committee that if prostitution did become a regulated industry, then people would have a choice to become a prostitute or not.
The sponsors expected that the total number of rapes would decrease by over 25,000 rapes per year because the prostitutes would now have rights.
The creators of bill H-O-10 from Oswego believe that their bill should be passed because it protects people who have been raped from being harassed by their perpetrators on college campuses.
Senate sponsor Samantha Keith said, “This bill, if enacted, ensures men and woman their physical and mental health by increasing the absence of the sexual predators on campus.”
According to the legislation, a college or university must report to local authorities any accusation of rape or sexual assault within 48 hours after discovery of the alleged crime.
If the suspect is found guilty, he or she must be expelled.
“No longer will people have to live with the fact that rape and molestation will go unpunished,” said Keith.

(written by Sophie Defino, co-editor)