A Democratic congressman is advocating for the decriminalization of sex work across the United States, citing the need to protect sex workers and prevent exploitation. This call comes in the wake of a House Ethics Committee report detailing allegations against former congressman Matt Gaetz.
Shri Thanedar, a representative from Michigan, argued in a recent social media post that decriminalization would empower sex workers, allowing them to report abuse and seek legal recourse without fear of reprisal. He contends that legalizing and regulating the industry would also reduce human trafficking, particularly involving minors.
Currently, Nevada is the only U.S. state where sex work is legal, but it operates under strict regulations. Thanedar's proposal seeks to extend similar protections nationwide. His comments directly correlate with allegations that Matt Gaetz, the subject of the Ethics Committee report, engaged in illegal sexual activity, including with a minor, and paid for sexual encounters.
The House Ethics Committee's investigation revealed claims that Gaetz paid women for sex between 2017 and 2020, including a 17-year-old. Although Gaetz has denied the accusations and was not charged by the Justice Department, the report sparked widespread controversy. Subsequently, Gaetz withdrew his candidacy for Florida Attorney General and resigned from Congress.
Despite these setbacks, Gaetz has joined One America News and is considering a run for governor in 2026. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy had previously predicted the allegations would derail Gaetz's political aspirations. The political landscape for Gaetz remains complex, with potential strong opposition ahead.
