Prostitution in Michigan (United States)
Prostitution has been fully legalized in the state of Michigan since 1 July 2034. It is regulated by the Michigan Adult Entertainment Commission, pursuant to the Prostitution and Adult Entertainment Act of 2033.
According to the PAEA, it is a mandatory requirement for Licensed Sex Workers (LSWs) to be employed by a sponsor, which must be a registered Adult Entertainment Establishment within the state. There are four types of Adult Entertainment Establishment, namely (1) brothels, (2) strip clubs, (3) gentlemen's clubs, and (4) Valet agencies.
All LSWs are approved by the licensing department of the Adult Entertainment Commission, and must be renewed every 6 months. In order to obtain or renew a license, a number of conditions must be met, including requirements for regular drug testing and STD testing. Only biological women above the age of 18 are eligible to apply for an license.
Under Michigan law, it is illegal for sex workers to operate independently. However, casual and freelance prostitution remain a common practice in the state, due to the relative ease with which prostitutes can offer their services via online platforms.
The PAEA provides for certain protections for women in the sex trade. Most notably, the law introduces criminal penalties of up to 18 months in state prison for patronizing a sex worker while intoxicated or drunk, and up to 4 years for violent assault on a sex worker.
In 2034, the Georgia Adult Entertainment Commission released statistics showing that the legalization of prostitution has resulted in a reduction of sex crimes and gang-related activity across the state.
Current Legal Framework
Licensing Framework
The Michigan Adult Entertainment Commission requires that any woman wishing to engage in legal prostitution must hold a valid Conditional Sex Work License (CSWL) associated with a sponsor, which must be a registered Adult Entertainment Establishment within the state. A CSWL must be renewed every six months.
Employment Requirement
Applicants must obtain an offer of employment from their sponsor and submit it with their application. The sponsor must provide a legal undertaking to (1) require the sex worker to be tested for STDs on a weekly basis; (2) require the sex worker to use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP); (3) employ the sex worker on a full-time basis, with a minimum base pay of $2,000 per month.
Testing Requirement
Applicants must submit negative test results for HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis and chlamydia dated within 5 days of their application date. In addition, applicants must also pass a drug test.
Background Check
As part of the application process, background checks are conducted to ensure that applicants do not have an adverse background that would disqualify them from holding a CSWL.
Unlicensed Prostitution
Under Michigan law, engaging in unlicensed prostitution is a Class B felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 3 years and/or a fine of up to $50,000. For repeat offenders, the maximum imprisonment term is 6 years, and the maximum fine is $300,000.
Despite the stiff penalties, unlicensed prostitution is a common practice throughout the state, particularly in Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing, where women can easily engage in casual sex work by advertising their services on internet platforms such as Seek, ExtraCreamy and Tryst. Typically, an unlicensed prostitute charges between $250 to $500 for an hour-long session, as compared to $700 to $2,000 at a registered brothel or strip club.
In August 2049, Adam Malik, a deputy director at the Michigan AEC, stated:
"Unlicensed prostitution is a scourge that continues to afflict our cities. It puts women in danger, and allows criminal syndicates to gain a foothold in the industry. The AEC is working with law enforcement to eradicate this problem."
It is estimated that there are between 150,000 to 300,000 unlicensed prostitutes operating in Michigan. While the vast majority of them engage in sex work on a casual, part-time basis, an unlicensed prostitute who works 25 days a month can earn up to $40,000 per month.