Is sex work decriminalized in Nevada?
Thursday, March 2, 2023
By Esther Tsvayg
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NO
Under Nevada state law, licensed brothels are permitted to operate in counties with populations of 700,000 or less. However, soliciting sex or engaging in prostitution outside of brothels is a misdemeanor in Nevada and is punishable by law, unless the person is a victim of sex trafficking. Misdemeanors carry up to six months in jail and/or a fine.
Brothels are legal in 10 of Nevada's 17 counties. Clark County, the state’s largest county and home of Las Vegas, has a population exceeding 700,000, rendering prostitution illegal there. Carson City, Douglas, Eureka, Lincoln, Pershing and Washoe have expressly outlawed prostitution.
A Safer Nevada petition to put a question on the 2024 ballot about decriminalizing sex work was later withdrawn.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
Nevada Legislature Limitation on licensing of houses of prostitution
Nevada Legislature Unlawful for prostitute to engage in prostitution or solicitation for prostitution except in licensed house of prostitution
Nevada Legislature Nevada State Facts
Eureka County Chapter 60: Prostitution and Marijuana
Nevada Secretary of State A Safer Nevada Petition
Nevada Secretary of State 2022 Petitions
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