ILLINOIS — With human trafficking arrests and lawsuits on the rise, Illinois is facing a growing challenge: how to crack down on illicit operations without harming the state’s licensed massage therapists who operate legally and ethically across the state.
Recent high-profile incidents — including arrests in Geneseo and lawsuits in Chicago — have intensified calls for regulatory reform. But as cities like Bloomington weigh new ordinances, lawmakers are realizing the need to protect legitimate providers from unintended consequences.
Revised Ordinances Aim for a More Targeted Approach
The Bloomington City Council recently revised a proposed ordinance after feedback from both the public and industry professionals. The updated version now exempts state-licensed massage therapists from overly broad regulatory language — focusing instead on unlicensed businesses often linked to trafficking.
Coverage from WGLT and 25NewsNow highlighted how the changes reflect growing awareness about protecting legitimate therapists while maintaining pressure on criminal activity.
Professionals Push Back Against Misconceptions
Massage therapists say blanket ordinances not only impose burdensome requirements, but also reinforce harmful stigmas. Many in the field have long fought to separate their work from the mischaracterization that links massage therapy to illegal sex work.
The need for nuance became especially clear after arrests in Geneseo, where four people were charged in a human trafficking sting, as reported by OurQuadCities.
Ethics, Accountability, and Training Urged by Advocates
Industry advocates and survivors are calling for a five-pronged approach to reform:
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Protect licensed massage therapists through fair, enforceable legislation.
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Educate the public and lawmakers on the clear distinction between ethical massage therapy and criminal sex trafficking.
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Require ethics and trafficking awareness training in all massage education programs.
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Hold franchised businesses accountable when they fail to screen or report misconduct.
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Elevate survivor voices, including efforts like Awakening Aspiration — a counseling and wellness center founded by a trafficking survivor in Englewood.
The movement has also gained traction due to cases like that of Cyril Willemin, a licensed massage therapist in Chicago facing sexual assault charges.
Should Illinois pass laws that both protect massage professionals and eliminate trafficking? Join the discussion at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
