[jadis]

Should prostitution remain illegal or should it be legalized?

I think that it should be legalized, and here is my rationale.

1) The act of sex isn't illegal in itself- it is only once money is exchanged that it becomes illegal. I don't think that the government should be in the business of legislating morality, and this is exactly what it is attempting to do. It is legal for people to be paid to have sex with one another on video, it is legal for a woman (or man) to pick up a relative stranger and have sex with them...it is even legal for people to pay to watch a woman on the internet have sex with herself. It is only when a man pays a woman to have sex with HIM that it becomes illegal (yes, there are male prostitutes, but there aren't nearly as many and aren't as heavily sought by law enforcement). The whole thing is highly illogical- which leads me to my next point.

2) The reason why this is illegal is for the government to have control over a woman's body and how she is able to make money. This was more true in past generations where most women had virtually no skills outside the home, and would be left destitute if their husbands left them or he died without any sort of nest egg. The sad reality is that a lot of women go to the sex trade b/c they don't have the skills to get a job where she is able to support herself and her family. The stereotype is that they are all drug abusers who hook to support their habit- which is an unfair generalization (one of my professors does a lot of work on this area). People always say that these women can get a job at McDonald's or another fast food joint- which will work for some women, but not all (considering there are things like childcare costs to consider). Also, many of these places are beginning to require a highschool diploma.

3) It being illegal actually puts more women in harm's way as it makes for a hostile environment for them to report a crime. Prostitution is often relegated to back alleys and secluded areas- which often makes them a target for crime. The police also don't take crimes against prostitutes seriously (a serial killer preyed on prostitutes in BC and it took YEARS for the police to decide to really start investigating it), and prostitutes are also hesitant to report crimes against them because they aren't taken seriously or the focus becomes on their actions. This makes them ripe to be taken advantage of by Pimps for their "protection"- who also abuse and take advantage of them financially. Legalization would work towards eliminating this as the government would then start taking these women seriously (ideally).

4) Public health. Legalization would also mean regulation- testing for STDs, promoting condom use, etc. There will ALWAYS be people who seek out sex for sale.....and there will always be people looking to sell. This would make it safer for BOTH parties, and for the general public (since the 'customers' often bring home these STDs to their regular partners).

[purelegance]

this has been a hot topic lately, especially with the NY politician scandal. personally, it's a non-issue -- it's illegal and needs to stay that way. period.

[mcmama]

It's legal in Nevada. Not in Las Vegas, where it could be tied to other crimes, but they do have "ranches" and there are standards for health and licensing.

[jadis]

Yep- I know that...and it is "technically" legal in Canada- it's the act of soliciting that is illegal *eye roll*

Purelegance- if you think it should remain illegal, can you give some reasons why?

[KR258]

People will disagree but I think having sex with strangers is terrible and going from partner to partner is worse. If you're engaged in that sort of thing I guess it would make sense to be paid for it but I don't think those actions should be legal because I think they're wrong even when it's just picking up a stranger to have sex. It's really got nothing to do with my religon although it says we shouldn't do such things but my reasoning is more just because I think it's gross and hurtful to other people in your life...and just generally wrong. I would just prefere if people wouldn't do such things. I wouldn't ever vote to make it illegal but wouldn't vote to make it legal either.

[JeanLynn81]

I have been sitting here giving this some thought. Jadis, you bring up some very excellent points (as usual!).

I do not think it should be legal as long as single mothers have all these programs put in place to help them succeed. I choose not to use some of the programs my state offers, because I do not need them, but if I did they're there. There are programs that pay for 100% of daycare so women can get out and work, or attend school, and these same places offer classes on "how to do a resume" and "how to do a job interview." There's family shelters and housing programs as well. Family assistance and food stamps (ebt).

Imagine if prostitution does become legal...instead of telling a woman to "get a job at McDonald's"...NOW we can say "have you considered applying at the local "ranch? You have a nice butt and you know how to shake it, so..."

How will this help to empower women, who for so long have been trying to get men to look at their hearts and their minds, NOT their boobs? Why should it be OK for a woman supporting her kids to have to become a sex toy, just to be able to get by?

Cmon girls...I thought we were better than this...



Keep it illegal, and work more on programs set in place to help those mothers who feel there's no other way.

[hennypenny]

My opinion is, it's going to happen anyway. So legalise it, and make it safe. There is a market for prostitutes, and there are always ppl keen to be prostitutes. I've never been nor used a prostititute, but I do believe sex workers need more rights and protection.

[froggles_fi]

ditto

[songbirdxx]

I may hate the idea myself, however I also know there is absolutely no way on earth, the oldest profession in the world will ever stop.Certainly ignoring it and pretending it doesn't happen ,will not make it go away!So I say legalise it, keep it all clean! above board and off the streets.Then make illegal prositution a very, very serious offence, instead of the odd fine here and there!

[hennypenny]

Good point, songbird. If it's legal and kept safe and clean, that will also protect clients and in many cases, clients' partners.