Colorado Moves to Legalize Prostitution, Raising Concerns

Critics warn the bill could make Colorado a 'Wild West' for sex trafficking

Feb. 27, 2026 at 8:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Colorado Democrats have filed a bill that could make the state the first to decriminalize prostitution, both the selling and purchasing of sex. Critics argue this would increase human trafficking and normalize the practice, especially for children, while supporters say it would improve sex workers' access to healthcare and other services.

Why it matters

Colorado already has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the U.S., and studies have shown that legalizing prostitution leads to higher rates of trafficking in other countries. Opponents are concerned the bill would make Colorado a hub for the sex trade and expose more children to the practice.

The details

The bill, SB26-097, would repeal state laws imposing criminal penalties for prostitution, soliciting for prostitution, and patronizing a prostitute. It would preserve penalties for using intimidation to convince someone to become a prostitute and for pimping. Supporters argue decriminalization would improve sex workers' access to healthcare, while critics warn it would increase demand and human trafficking.

  • The bill was filed by Colorado Democrats in February 2026.

The players

Jarvis Caldwell

The Republican minority leader in the Colorado state House of Representatives, who opposes the bill and warns it would make Colorado the 'Wild West' for purchasing sex.

Erin Lee

The co-founder and executive director of Protect Kids Colorado, who is concerned the bill would normalize prostitution for children.

Macy Petty

A legislative strategist with Concerned Women for America, who warns the legislation 'places prostituted women in dangerous situations, increases the risk of violence and exploitation, and reduces women to commodities for sexual purchase.'

Chase Davis

The lead pastor at The Well Church in Boulder and leader of the Christ Over Colorado movement, who says Colorado Democrats 'just want to punish Christians' and warns the bill would 'open portals to hell.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This isn't the Republicans' idea of making things more affordable, by making it easier to sell yourself for sex.”

— Jarvis Caldwell, Republican minority leader, Colorado House of Representatives

“It just becomes a normal facet of life for children walking down Main Street to see a place of prostitution, Amsterdam-style.”

— Erin Lee, Co-founder and executive director, Protect Kids Colorado

“They have no interest in partnering with evangelicals—they have nothing but contempt for them.”

— Chase Davis, Lead pastor, The Well Church in Boulder

What’s next

The bill will now proceed through the Colorado state legislature, where it faces opposition from Republicans and some advocacy groups.

The takeaway

This controversial bill highlights the ongoing debate over the legalization of prostitution, with proponents arguing it would improve sex workers' rights and access to services, while opponents warn it would increase human trafficking and normalize the practice, especially for children.