Should prostitution be legal?
It happens anyway; why not reduce the risk.
Prostitution has been around since the beginning of mankind. Most anti-prostitution laws were passed over 100 years ago. It happens every day throughout the world, so why not make money off it and reduce the risk in it? It is simply two consenting adults exchanging a service for money. It should not be any more illegal than a plumber or maid. Also like plumbers, sex workers could also form work unions to gain more rights.
There are currently 28 legal brothels in the United States, all of which are in rural counties in Nevada. They have restrictions and are government regulated. I believe that if very restricted and regulated, prostitution would be a massive industry in the US. A major problem seen in the sex industry is the motive to be a sex worker. Many are uneducated women working voluntarily to support a drug habit. I would also argue that men and women have the right to their body. If you can get an abortion, why not.
According to the Economist.com, the international sex industry is a $20+ billion a year business I think that if there were added restrictions on age and education, prostitution would be a profitable industry. It would not only benefit the government through taxes, but also through redirecting police resources toward larger problems. Potential prostitutes should have to take a class on sex work risks, have at least an associate degree, and have no criminal record. Potential customers should have to be tested for STIs , and also not have criminal backgrounds. Sex workers should be required to use multiple forms of contraception, and have a valid license to practice prostitution. There should also be STI testing on the workers occasionally.
Sex work is already all around us, most people just are not as offended by it. If a woman has sex with a man for money, it's prostitution. If they video tape it, it becomes legal pornography. Another example would be very wealthy men. Think of all the young women that marry old men for money. What do the women get out of it? Money. What do the men get out of it? Sex. This should be just as frowned upon as prostitution, but it's not.
Is a 20-year-old woman marrying a 65-year-old man any different than prostitution? Other than "ethical/moral" reasons, why should it not be legalized?Posted by: AnonymousThe pros outweight the cons
I'm not sure where to begin, so I'm just going to make a list.
1. Rape would decrease.
2. STD's are usually contracted from a non-prostitute.
3. The fight against human trafficking could be better fought against.
4. It could be taxed. Not exactly a pro for the client, but still.
5. Sex is good for your health. If more people in America have sex, maybe we'd be a little less of an obese country and it may lower heart disease.
6. More jobs.
7. If abortion is legal, why not prostitution? I always hear the argument "It's my body..." Why doesn't it apply to this subject?
8. People are doing it regardless of what the law says. Drugs can have a negative effect on a person, but prostitution has a very few downsides. And the downsides are only minor.
9. There would be less sex-crimes.
10. The government would not only be able to make money of taxed prostitution, but save on various costs to the tax-payer. Police, prison, etc...
My boss's brother is 29 years old and still a virgin. He is so nervous around women that he screws up any potential relationship. When asked about it, he says that he doesn't really want a girlfriend anyway because...pretty much he says he's selfish. He wants to do what he wants whenever he wants, but he implies he still wants to be with a woman. Purchasing a prostitute would be perfect. A professional working girl could make him happy. (He seems miserable by the way. He's so ashamed to be a virgin.)
I too would love to purchase a prostitute without the fear of going to jail. I am not boyfriend/husband material. But I would love to be with a beautiful woman from time to time.Posted by: AnonymousRights
Many of the arguments against legal prostitution are from an ethical or moral perspective. On this website alone I have read "it is just wrong" many times. The American Constitution does not protect morals it protects rights. We do not have the ten commandments we have the bill of rights. If people want to sell their bodies for sex they have that right, sure it's not something I would do, but who am I to impose my standards and my morals or ethics upon them. Prostitutes should have the freedom to make money any way they want to.
Posted by: AnonymousSo let me get ths straight
A woman can legally offer a man sex in exchange for a ride home from a bar or club, but not for money so that she can pay for a cab to pick her up and take her home. What's wrong with this picture? Sex can be exchanged for products or services (and is on a daily basis), and no law is broken unless a direct monetary transaction is involved. Kinda ridiculous if you ask me.
Posted by: AnonymousWriting a Paper
... On this topic, so I'll keep it brief and not give all of my arguments. People against it, would you like to criminalize stripping and porn? Because it's the exact same idea: using one's body to get money. The only difference is that the legalized activities are legal. About women prostituting for a career-- how many strippers are planning on stripping forever? Many of them (men and women alike) are doing it to put themselves through school. For instance, I know a man who's a PhD student who is stripping for a living until he's finished his education. Legalizing it likely won't make it a permanent career, guys. And honestly, if it's going to bring the poverty rate down, I'm all for it. Legalizing it will make it -safer- and that's my primary concern. The safety of others.
Posted by: AnonymousI support legalizing prostitution.
In my opinion, even if the law bans prostitution, it is not going stop completely. Rather legalizing prostitution under some control may result in safe practice. Also, it may have positive impact on the lives of young girls who are forced into the profession and are leading dreadful lives in the dark.
Posted by: SaroM0vi3Banning prostitution would just increase crime rates and would be expensive.
It's simple: if you ban something that is completely victimless, people will still do it, regardless of punishment; banning prostitution would only increase crime rates which in turn would cost the economy a ridiculous amount of money.
I have also noticed that countries which either have a form of tolerated or legalized prostitution such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Greece, Japan, Australia and New Zealand are among the safest countries on the planet while nations which ban prostitution such as the United States, South Africa, Russia, Iran, China and Indonesia have high crime rates.Posted by: AnonymousProstitution IS the World's Oldest Profession
Yes, prostitution in the United States should be legal. Prostitution could be a way that many men and women pull themselves out of poverty. A well regulated sex industry could be a good source of money for states and the federal government. An illegal act made legal would also lessen the burden of police departments all over the country, as they would not have to use their resources to arrest prostitutes. It's a win-win for the people, states and government.
Posted by: inaneoneYes, it should be legalized
I believe Prostitution should be legalized. First of all it's their own body they should know what they want to do with it. Second of all Prostitutes would get real bosses not "PIMPS" they will make sure they are being well taken care of. Third it won't become a "Professional" thing real ladies will respect their body. Just for the fact tha it will get legalized Ladies won't go and Disrespect themselfs. It will just help out the ones that already do it. There are some Ladies that need so much help and believe that's what they need to do. Yes it is wrong but it's up to ANYONE to do ANYTHING they want with their body. Prostitution should be Legalized
Posted by: AnonymousLegalised but regulated
If the government regulated the prostitution market then it would improve the economy quite a bit, especially since they could tax the services as well.
Not only would it be financially better for the economy but it would also help the prostitutes themselves work in a much safer workplace rather than being at constant risk as almost all of them are.Posted by: AnonymousCarlin Said It Best
Selling is legal. Having sex is legal. Why isn't selling sex legal? From the pure standpoint of looking at current laws, objectively, it's almost like people got together with the express purpose of making things as nonsensical, elitist, and hypocritical as possible. A woman can get paid to have sex on video for the masses, or be very quick friends with benefits in an upper-class society, but the prostitutes, the most heavily abused of the three sex service types, are further punished on top of the rampant abuses built into their job by hypocrisy of moralists not doing anything to really help them.
Porn is legal, wherein a person is paid to have sex, and be recorded for it, the justification being that they're being paid for entertainment purposes and in some cases acting. Escorts are legal, wherein a person will escort people for a high fee to events and most likely eventually have sex with the client, the legalization justified by them also being an entertainment service and being paid for their companionship, not the sex. Yet prostitution, wherein a person is being paid purely to have sex, skipping past any pretending and being honest about what goes on, is illegal. Something isn't quite right here.
Don't we have better things to do with our already overfilled prisons than punish people because of others' repressed morals being forced on the rest of us?
Legalizing means regulations, which means revolutions in protections, disease control, and tax revenue.Posted by: AnonymousCommerce is legal, sexual contact is legal, combining the two should be legal as well.
People who engage in prostitution right now are outside of the law, and can be mistreated in ways that ordinary people, especially ordinary women never are. Adding in human trafficking and what you have is another example that prohibition creates wealthy criminals and human misery, and in addition creates access for ordinary citizens to hardened criminals. It's stupid and cruel to put sex workers outside of the social contract.
Posted by: groovyboxYes, prostitution is just business.
I know quite a few prostitutes in Reno. They are happy, live in very large, luxurious, houses. They are married and have children. It is highly regulated and monitored. Brothels almost eliminate pimps and dangerous situations for of age prostitutes. This would make finding the underage prostitutes who are in awful situations easier.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, it is natural.
Why should something be illegal to sell that is perfectly legal to give away? Of all the things you can do to a person giving them an orgasm is hardly the worst thing in the world. Prostitution has been around for hundreds if not thousands of years. It is considered one of the world’s oldest professions. How can something that we do naturally as human beings, be considered illegal and immoral?
Posted by: AnonymousI support the legalization of prostitution to create a taxable revenue.
There are a couple of good reasons to legalize prostitution. For one, it could be regulated by the government, and thus taxed heavily. It is a product that is in constant demand and you'd have no shortage of clients. If it was monitored, then it would be safer as well since it then it could be regulated and people could be tested. It would also reduce crime rates since the need for street prostitution would be minimized or eliminated. This would free up police to enforce the law elsewhere.
Posted by: M4ck3God2iIIaYES, legalize it.
Lessen STDS, decrease assault against women by making women feel better about contacting police and reporting sex crimes. It will protect women! Less women will be arrested for just trying to support a family! Not all women would do it, of course. But, women have the right to choose what they want to do with their body.
Posted by: AnonymousProstitution is a Legitimate Profession
Prostitution is legal in Canada. The scare tactic that decriminalizing prostitution will lead to an increase in STD's i.e AIDS is far from the truth. Prostitution gives escorts equal power to negotiate a fee free of fear from arrest and convictions. Many men state it's immoral but they are the consumers, they are nothing more than hypocrites. If johns where getting arrested at the rate that prostitutes get arrested, I truly believe that prostitution would be decriminalized in a heart beat. Women who want to escape prostitution because they were coerced into it should have the option to seek help, but the other women who choose to engage in sex work shouldn't be punished by the law.
Posted by: AnonymousProstitution should be legalized, for whether it is legal or not, people are going to do it.
Prostitution happens in just about every major city in ever country. In many countries, it is illegal, but it happens anyway. Diseases run wild and people who make a living this way aren't being taxed. The US government might as well legalize, but regulate prostitution. They could create brothel houses for sex workers, tax them on the money they make, and have strict health codes.
Posted by: 54ndDaviProstitution should be legal, because when we legalize it we can regulate it, making it safer and decreasing the spread of disease.
Illegal prostitution spreads many sexual diseases, and it's hard to control because it's done on the black market. If we legalize prostitution, then we can require prostitutes to have regular medical checkups and licenses. This would decrease the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. People who engage in prostitution are going to do so anyway, so by legalizing it we gain some control.
Posted by: EwaBabeProstitution should be legal!!!!!
I am a strong believer that anything that makes you happy and helps support your family should be legalized. Just think strippers do the same thing and they don't get in trouble so why not let prostitutes do the same and feel free. So I ask for you to please let them be happy.
Posted by: AnonymousYes!
Legalizing prostitution would make more jobs so that the unemployment rate will go down! This will also allow the government to tax the income that prostitutes make. This will also allow people to make money for their family. It is the prostitutes choice what he or she wants to do and if they want to put their body at the risk of an sti (d)!
Posted by: Anonymousit is only safe if it is regulated
After doing a lot of research on this issue - i have found that less than 10% of people in australia get exploited sexually where as over 50% in america, the main reason is that it is legal in australia and illegal in america.
My main reasons are;
1. Rape would decrease.
2. If regulated, STD's would decrease.
3. Would make it legal to create a safe working environment for sex-workers.
4. Government can taxPosted by: AnonymousWhy
would the government stop two consenting participants to have sex together? Just because one of them is paying for it? What exactly does this authoritarian idea accomplish? And where is the justification of it? As far as I see it, it's a violation of rights. The government should stay out of peoples beds. You can put laws and restriction on trafficking and such but basic prostitution should be legal.
Posted by: phantomYes, It should.
By prostitution- I don't only mean female prostitution. And as many have noted here, it does not violate anybody's right. Not only that, legalization of prostitution leads to lower crime rate of eve-teasing and rapes. And even if, prostitution is not legalized, there are people involved in it- everyday. There are people, that have problems of joining their hands and mouth, so if they want to opt it as a means to earn their money- why not let them?
Posted by: hidden.sentimentLet them be
Prostitution should be legalized, why is it that we have regulations for healthcare, factories, work environments, yet we turn our heads when it comes to sex. If we legalize prostitution we can regulate the business making it safer for men and women. There would be health screenings, protection against diseases, and abuse. People have a choice to do what ever they please with their bodies, and if someone is unable to find any other means of survival then selling it for money to live then that is their choice and we are no one to judge their behaviors. You don't have to agree with what prostates do and what the industry stands for, but you have no right to judge the people participating in the actions unless you personally know why they chose prostitution over becoming a scientist, or a teacher.
Posted by: AnonymousI support prostitution being legal, so sex industry workers have more protection, rights, and access to health care.
It seems that the women involved in prostitution are the losers. If there were legal regulations on prostitution, then it would make their lives safer. There would probably be a drop in prostitution, as well. The crimes that happen are rarely the fault of the prostitute, yet they get the bad rap. They don't have access to health insurance, and it would just make the world a safer place if there were laws to protect sex workers.
Posted by: PointlessElbert47Truth out-ways Judgement
Sherry F. Colb, JD, Professor of Law and Judge Frederick Lacey Scholar at Rutgers Law School, wrote in a Dec. 17, 2006 e-mail to ProCon.Org that:
"Prostitution should not be a crime. Prostitutes are not committing an inherently harmful act. While the spread of disease and other detriments are possible in the practice of prostitution, criminalization is a sure way of exacerbating rather than addressing such effects. We saw this quite clearly in the time of alcohol prohibition in this country.
...What makes prostitution a 'victimless crime' in the sense that no one is necessarily harmed by it is that there are consenting adults involved."Posted by: AnonymousProstitutes Deserves Rights
Whether we believe it is moral or not, there has always been and will always be a demand for sexual services. And whether we like it or not, there will always be people that will capitalize on that demand. In my view, it is immoral to deny sex workers the full protection and regulation of the US government to protect them from dangerous work environments, predatory pimps, and elevated health risks of working in the shadows. Prostitutes should be allowed to form unions and improve their working conditions with the full backing of our justice system to prosecute those that infringe upon their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Posted by: AnonymousYou may not agree with it, but it's not your body
"First all, we all know what immoral acts are: murdering, kidnapping, robbing (a bank for example), child pornography, human trafficking, prostitution; just to name a few. By legalizing prostitution, you are actually saying that we can legalize killing, drug abuse, and anything and everything that is against human life/morality. Although prostituting may not have any physical harm as you claim, it is just not the right to do. It's against humanity. Just like all other moral issues."
Government's job is not to regulate morality but to pass laws that protect the people. The reason many of those things are illegal is because they are harmful to someone else! The obvious exceptions are drug use, and prostitution, which if regulated can both protect people who partake in those activities and generate tax revenue that is currently being missed out on or wasted in our over crowded prisons.Posted by: AnonymousIt's about freedom of choice.
What two people (consenting adults) do behind closed doors is their business as long as both agree to the terms. The prohibition against prostitution is an interesting marriage of the feminazi far left and the bible thumping right. The same feminists that scream "My body my choice!" regarding abortion and birth control conveniently sweep that under the rug regarding prostitution now citing some Marxist population control mantras about how prostitution demeans and objectifies women. And sports demean and objectify men - whatever.
Many people blame prostitution because it is sometimes associated with crime, drugs and trafficking. It is interesting that any other career is not as demonized when some of its employees are involved in drugs, etc. Trafficking is also seen in poor foreigners working in Chinese restaurants and other 'invisible' business environments that thrive off cheap labor (google it). We should stop eating at Chinese restaurants!
Prostitution between two consenting adults should be a legal, taxable industry everywhere. To those who claim it will destroy families and marriages I say, maybe a marriage needs to be reworked if it is vulnerable to such an industry being available in the legal marketplace. STD spread would be minimal if safe sex rules are followed.
Stop the madness.Posted by: AnonymousI have no morals
Legal prostitution could help lower human trafficking, the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, the rate of rapes, besides this prostitutes could be protected from hate crimes. The government could tax this and make money, we all know how badly the government needs it. Police could spend their time doing more useful things and men and women deserve to be able to do what they want when it comes to things like this, we shouldn't be told "no, its immoral that means its against the law, my religion says its wrong, what effect will it have on my children?'
Posted by: AnonymousProstitution can be so much safer if it is legalized and regulated.
"The focus should be on keeping prostitutes safe, from abuse, assault, rape, and murder, as well as from sexually transmitted diseases. And if sex workers should be required to get regular blood and STD tests, so should the clients who see them. Whether these two protections -- against violence and against disease -- come about through decriminalization or legalization depend upon the letter of the law. Ultimately, I believe sex workers shouldn't be treated like drug dealers, violent criminals, or pimps who exploit women for monetary gain. " - Amelia
Posted by: AnonymousCriminalizing prostitution imposes on liberty and freedom
First of all, I view prostitution the same way I view all the other victimless "crimes": if an act is not DIRECTLY imposing on someone's else's safety or property, society has no place in labeling it as a crime.
Second, the porn industry is perfectly legal so why isn't prostitution? Porn is two people getting paid to have sex with each other on camera. Prostitution is one person getting paid to have sex with another. What's the difference here?
Also, the government has no right to legislate MORALITY. Believe what you want to believe and live by your own morals, and let other people live by theirs.Posted by: Anonymousjkhk
To legalize prostitution would lead to gender inequality. The overwhelming majority of prostitutes are women. By legalizing prostitution we openly commit ourselves to the notion that the female body is a commodity that can be bought by men for money. This will irrevocable change our perception of male and female roles in society. Also most people that prostitute themselves do so because they feel pressured into it by a number of factors (economical, trafficking, drug abuse, etc.) very few people will actively chose to become a sex worker because they enjoy the experience. Lastly a legalization would probably not remove the stigma of working as a prostitute and it would not suddenly become easy to regulate the sex trade and make it safe to those involved.
Posted by: AnonymousProstitution should be legal.
It is legal to sell manual labor. We can sell brute strength to move heavy objects. A person can be hired as a farm hand to harvest the fields. We can even sell bodily fluids to science...so why can we not sell what God gave us naturally? If prostitution was legal it could be regulated, std's could be tested for and it would not be on the street corners where children can be exposed to it. I am very surprised to that a nation built on civil rights and manual labor allows their government to control their physical being.
Posted by: w00tboycomicThis industry has existed since the beginning of time, and the legality of their business has done nothing to stop it.
Prostitution is one of many "crimes" that are illegal, only because they are considered immoral. The fact that it is illegal in most states in this country has done nothing to deter it. Those charged, both as providers and customers, of this service pay fines and take up valuable court time that could be spent on "real" criminals. The victims of this "crime" are never seen: the spouses of the johns or the children of the prostitutes. The victims of this particular crime suffer in a way that cannot be compensated.
Posted by: EweIICistTwo consenting adults have the right to do whatever they please with their bodies.
The government has no right intervening in this victimless crime. Also, the demand for sexual services will always be part of our society, the government can not change that. But by outlawing it they force it underground which is where we see cases of abuse, child prostitution, etc... By legalizing it we could regulate it which pretty much would answer any problem the critics have with it, except for those who believe we should not be able to make our own decisions as to what to do with our own bodies.
Posted by: Double_RProstitution should be legalized. Legalization would decrease the crime affiliated with the underworld prostitution.
Millions of men and women are involved in the prostitution underworld, either as customers or providers. Because prostitution is illegal in many cities, the act typically is surrounded by crime and disease. Studies show that legalizing prostitution allows the government to control the spread of disease and reduces the participant's exposure to crime. Legalization could also allow governments to tax the service.
Posted by: 5c00bySaImLEGALIZE!!!!!
While prostitution is illegal in nearly every U.S. state, the practice continues today. According to Associated Content, citing data from Secret Diary of a Call Girl, nearly $14.5 billion dollars is spent on prostitution every year and more than $23 million a year is spent enforcing prostitution laws. So by making it legal to own a brothel, not to prostitute, to run a brothel would cut how much is spent on making sure that it isnt legal at all.
Posted by: nathannelson731There should be no law prohibiting sexual activity between 2 consenting adults.
They consented. The government has no right to interfere with private matters such as sex. Again, there is no victim, does not harm anyone and it is consented. Although I am against it morally, legally, the government has no right to interfere with such matters.
Posted by: 1dustpeltYes, Why not?
For many people it is a way of life, and the sooner we accept that, the sooner we can stop punishing people for pursuing harmless choices. It doesn't hurt people and it never will. Moreover, I do not see how it is any different from regular sex. I mean, if you want to ban prostitution, then you should also ban trophy wives.
Posted by: jzonda415I strongly support the legalization of prostitution.
Prostitution will certainly never be eradicated, and should instead be legalized to ensure the safety of all involved. Studies have shown that prostitutes in legalized areas such as Nevada and the Netherlands (famously Amsterdam) have significantly lower incidences of sexually transmitted diseases. Legalization will ensure the health of both the prostitute and her customer is maintained. Legalization would also enhance the physical safety of prostitutes. They would no longer be forced into unsavory business relationships with pimps who physically abuse them and steal their earnings. Also, the millions of dollars spent on enforcing anti-prostitution laws could be spent on better projects such as Universal Health Care.
Posted by: barbz129My body, my choice.
That's the logic behind abortion and other forms of birth control. We have the constitutional right to privacy and this right ensures that we have control over our sexual activities. We have the right to have sex in all the different positions, to engage in s&m, to have orgies. And, yes, we should have the right to give sex in exchange for money. Prostitution should be legalized not because it's morally correct or because it will improve prostitutes' hygiene and services but because we have the legal right to engage in it. Whether we should have that right is a question the court settled 39 years ago in roe vs. Wade.
Posted by: AnonymousLegalizing would help in improving regulation
Prostitution is not an entirely new phenomenon that has suddenly sprung up , it has been prevalent for a long time in India . Legalizing it would bring the prostitutes' legal and health rights in the spotlight and bring greater transparency in it's conduct . It would also help in improving their working conditions and bring about a drop in the occurrence of STDs
Posted by: AnonymousEverybody want to have sex.
People think that prostitution is such a bad job, a job that no parent would ever allow their daughters to take part in, a job which is considered the bottom of society. However, what people do not see, or they just don't want to admit, is that prostitution not only brings joy and pleasure to the customers but also develops the economy. It's a business!
Posted by: orsan1994You can't stop it, so regulate it.
Prostitution can lead to many sexually transmitted diseases. However, despite the law, it is still a very widespread business today. You can't stop it, so regulate it. I would rather prostitutes have to take a class, and get licensed to prostitute. That's right a licence to prostitute. They would also be required to perform medical checkups frequently, and only be allowed to take so many "jobs" per certain allotment of time.
Posted by: AnonymousProstitution should be made legal--it could help revive our economy!
Prostitution is attractive because it connects to the idea of "if I can't have something, I want it all the more"--which goes all the way back to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. In its current form, prostitution can be dangerous to seller, patron and sponsor--through arrests, violence, health issues and more. If prostitution was legal, sanctioned and sponsored, it could open up a whole new area in our economy. Even though they "should know better", people are going to buy sexual services, smoke and drink--none of which are "healthy"--but if smoking and alcohol can be funded and taxed, why not prostitution? The possible windfalls through insurance needs, 401 (k) plans and scholarships (fund your way through college, build a new life, etc.) are myriad and deserve to be discovered and explored.
Posted by: ElwBoardinArguments for "no" seem random and weak
Prostitution is not the inherent cause of rape. If it was legal, raped prostitutes could actually get legal help instead of have to hide. It's always going to be around, because you can't regulate the whole world. And if your man wants to cheat on you, the legal status of prostitution isn't going to stop him.
Posted by: AnonymousWhy not it is the oldest profession in the world for women.
At one point in history either you got married or you went into prostitution as women where not allowed to work until I believe the 19th century. Sometimes this was the only thing that women could do to raise money for themselves. I also believe that if men did not want this service then it would not be so prevalent but it is so I guess men do like this service.
Posted by: 5h4rkEmarDifferent people, different morals
I have read some arguments mentioning morality, and all I do is question myself, WHAT IS MORALY CORRECT AND WHAT IS NOT? See, I find that different peoples have different morals. I give you an example: Muslims and Christians don´t have the same morals, who's wrong? Who's right? Moral varies from person to person, and an argument is not strong enough if it is based on what is moral to society.
Posted by: AnonymousWhy the heck not!
Prostitution has been around since the dawn of time. Women know how to survive and manipulate men into getting what they want. It is there temple why stop what has always been around? It's not like it has stop because these laws have been in place. In some parts of Nevada, where it's legal it wont be long before the other states will approve of it.
Posted by: Anita.MillerIt's a victimless crime
Crimes that have no real victim should not be crimes at all. If to consenting adults agree to something, how can the governement possibly impose it's beliefs on the rest of society. Morality is extremely subjective.Prostitution is between to consenting adults, and the intrsinic basis of prosititution does no harm to either party. Morover, it is consensual. The government cannot parent adults.
Posted by: SimataaHow is marriage any different?
When man gets married to a woman it used to be that he would work 40 hours a week, pay for the house, food, car, and etc etc. Now if the woman gets upset with the man for some reason she can file a divorce and take house, the car, and a monthly check (that varies from state to state). Now during the marriage sex is not a guarantee even during marriage. She can say no, have sex with other men, and there is nothing you can do about it. So with the house and car let's say the total is 250k now assuming that a hooker is 250 an hour you could buy 1000 hours of sex. The nice part is it does not have to be the same hooker each time. You know you're going to get laid and she does not get to keep the house when you're done with the sex. If you're dating a woman and paying for the dates those can be over 100 per date and often times you have to wait 3 dates before getting laid. Well if you hire a hooker for 250 an hour it's a sure thing every time and she might be in to kinky stuff too.
Posted by: Freedom1ManLegal or not, people do it.
Making something illegal does not automatically extinguish its existence from the earth. Prostitution has always existed and always will, legal or not. However, making it legal means it can be regulated. Workers can be better protected, and the industry will be more structured.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe a person has the right to use their own body for any purpose that does not harm another.
A person has a right to their body, and should have the freedom to use that body as they see fit, assuming that no harm is inflicted on unwilling parties. If somebody wants to trade a physical activity using their body for something else then that should be their right assuming that the trade is mutually agreed upon.
Posted by: Wynn354Of course.
If every party agrees, then why on earth should it be illegal? What any one person does with their own body is completely up to them. How the government thinks they can claim authority over the choices of one individual concerning their own body and money and insurance is beyond me.
Posted by: LibertarianManBecause there are many other more serious crimes for the police to deal with, prostitution should be legal.
Prostitution should be legalized for many reasons. Our police have other more serious crimes to deal with. Legalized prostitution would make it possible for the government to tax the profits. It is was legalized the government could also place regulations on the profession (medical checks, licensing, drug checks, etc.). If it was legal a better eye could be kept on the age of the individuals involved. More oversight would help.
Posted by: 5h4n3GotProstitution should be legal because it's a person's right to choose what they want to do with their body.
Prostitution needs to be legalized because it's a legitimate job, not unlike massage therapy or acupuncture. It is a service a person can offer to make someone else feel good. Furthermore, if prostitution were legalized it could be regulated and the drugs, diseases, and violence ("pimps" would pretty much cease to exist) associated with prostitution now would be greatly reduced.
Posted by: TwoVicFIGHTING PROSTITUTION IS A WASTE OF TIME
Prostitution has been going on since the beginning of time. It only became illegal around the beginning of the 20th Century, and then, mostly in Fundamentalist, Protestant, USA, and to some extent, Canada. But Anti-Prostitution Laws didn't dry it up, any more than Prohibition dried up alcohol, or the 1937 Laws outlawing marijuana stopped people from smoking the stuff. These laws just drove the popular practices underground, bringing in the gangsters, pimps, and drug dealers. See, it's not the vices that cause the major problems. It's the criminal elements that the prohibitions against the practices that cause the trouble. Let people alone. It prostitution were legal there would be much less divorce, because most men are attracted to women in the 18-29 age bracket. If they could go to a prostitute without fear of arrest from time to time, they could hang on to the old model and not divorce her for a younger version.
Posted by: avalonbobProstitution should be legal already
What a person does with their own body should be up to them. Why are governments in people’s lives so much and controlling how people can use their own body. If someone wants to let another person do what they want with them within their own set boundaries, they should be allowed to do it. Why does anyone else have the right to say they can't have sex for money it’s that persons choice. I think if it was taken seriously and regulated properly. It would be a lot better for the people who are doing that already they would have better safety at their job; they would have to be tested constantly for STDs. If the places were being monitored properly it could help to rid the world of sex slavery. People would want to go to a place they know is properly managed and staffed and has a reputable name. I really think there are a lot of lonely people out there this could help them a lot. It would have an amazing affect on your economy. Prostitutes would be paying taxes and so would the businesses. People would be spending more freely if it was made legal. I don't know why this is not legal already. What are people so afraid of? We already live in a society that people are having a lot of sex and it just becomes unacceptable when you pay for it?? It’s ridiculous and infantile. Plus I don't think we should be telling people how to live their lives. We should have our freedoms protected and our basic rights upheld. At the end of the day it’s a job for so many people, they should be able to go to work without fear. Also so many women are kept in sex slavery, actual SLAVERY exists in our world. We need to end this madness and save those poor souls!
Posted by: AnonymousShould be legalized
Why is it illegal to charge for what can be freely dispensed? Prostitution is no more moral or immoral than Hershey’s or Mike and Ike. Sex work is legitimate work and problems within the industry are not inherent in the work itself. It is vulnerability, not sex work, which creates victims. Sex workers should enjoy the same labor rights as other workers and the same human rights as other people.
Posted by: AnonymousDo all of the LEGALISING!
At one point in the negative argument, someone decided to bring morality into it and say that illegalisation makes the act more exhilarating. Your argument is self-contradictory. You want to abolish prostitution, but then you say that its illegality makes it better? There's something wrong with that argument. In fact, it assists the positive case. I would agree that legalising it takes the thrill out of prostitution, reducing its commonness. Isn't that a good thing, regardless of which stance you take?
Posted by: JackGotTrolledByATrollYes.
Prostitution should be legal. It is a very simple issue: the actual act, a prostitute and her customer agreeing on an exchange of money for sex, violates no one's rights, and does not directly or demonstrateably necessarily harm anyone else. Thus, it should be legal. However, some people do not seem to have clarity on the issue, and want to bring in lots of personal opinions and hogwash about how prostitution promote drug-use, violence, STDs, etc. In fact, it is anti-prostitution laws which promote all of these things.
Posted by: AnonymousProstitution between consenting adults should be legal.
If both parties are in agreement, and both parties are over 21, there is no reason why prostitution should not be legal. If prostitution was legalized, the states could make money by taxing the industry. It would create jobs and it would ensure that prostitutes were tested for sexually transmitted diseases. The industry could be regulated; and that would make things safer for the prostitutes.
Posted by: VasilBuddyProstitution and phone sex - one legal, one illegal, why?
What is the point in prostitution being illegal? Then they should make phone sex illegal and porn magazines illegal. It would make too many Americans mad. Thousands of prostitutes are out there and thousands of men buy female prostitutes daily. Thus what is the point in making it illegal, when plenty of people are using prostitutes daily? Even high schoolers would buy a prostitute if they had the money.
Posted by: AnonymousThe vulnerable prostitutes
Some think that only a certain kind of human can stand the job of being a sex worker without getting in problems with them selves or the surroundings. This allegation is somewhat saying that the prostitutes is more vulnerable than other groups. The fact that prostitutes is more vulnerable just makes the point, that the should have more security and rights to support them, even stronger.
Posted by: AnonymousEveryone is talking about morals...
Most of the people against prostitution say they can rape the women and STDs and blah blah blah... But if it was legal the women are in far less danger by joining brothels that screen clients and what not. Also the risk of an std is there with or with out prostitution so I don't know why you would even bring that up seeing as how most prostitutes practice safe sex due to the fact that they are at risk. Also to say no because its morally wrong why in the world do you care what other people do they may not feel that it is immoral its a matter of opinion. So just because you don't like don't do it! For others who don't mind then live and let live. Being a porn star is legal and WAY MORE then half of you saying your against prostitution have watched and probably "helped yourself" to one. So why is that ok it is the same thing except it is filmed? So I ask you again why does it matter to you if Jenny from 3 houses down goes to work and sells herself? It shouldn't because it wont affect you one bit because you should be minding your own business and the pros. Arr minding theirs.
Posted by: AnonymousIt Would Help
This would be one of the helping factors to get our economy back on its feet. In addition, it will bring in an estimate of $9.375 billion dollars annually if it were taxed. The Government already does immoral things, why can't they? To some people Gay Rights are immoral, but they just deal with it. Have respect for others decisions about their own bodies, sex life, way of income, and overall way of life. Thank You. -Samantha Allison
Posted by: AnonymousThis is supposed to be a free country, and allowing a person to sell their body for sex is consistent with freedom.
Our country was founded on the principles of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". What kind of liberties do people truly have if they cannot do as they please with their own bodies. People ought to be free to sell their bodies, if that is what pleases them. And, anything less is inconsistent with the idea of freedom.
Posted by: NecessaryDenis78Why not?
It's your body so why shouldn't you have say so on how you use it? If you're an adult then who is the government to tell you what to do with your OWN body and health? You gotta feed your family by any means necessary. In a country where you are "Free" there are a lot of regulations stopping you from being "Free". If prostitution was legal it would also reduce the crime rate.
Posted by: AnonymousLegalized and Regluated
I do not believe the prostitution is an extremely ethical act, yet the act of legalizing is completely different. Though I don't really believe in it, legalizing prostitution will allow government to regulate it, and therefore make it less harmful, degrading, and offer more labour rights to the woman involved in the occupation. Just think about it, attempts to eradicate it has only worsened it, providing more negative consequences than positive. The regulation of prostitution - with a set of ethical laws - could provide a better environment for the woman who wish to participate in this act.
Posted by: AnonymousFight the mob
When alcohol was illegal, people still got it through the mob.
When porn was illegal, people still got it through the mob.
Since non- prescription drugs are illegal, people still get them through the mob.
Since prostitution is illegal, people still get it through the mob.
The moment we make prostitution and drugs legal is the moment that Mafias will no longer be able to collect profit off them.
The world already has too many Loera's and Trevino's. In order to permanently get rid of bastards like these we're going to have get rid of their source of income by making illegal trafficking unprofitable.Posted by: MisterscrufflesI believe prostitution should be legal as it is the right of a woman to choose how to use her own body.
The legality of prostitution is an issue of woman's rights. It is the woman's right to use her body as she sees fit without the stigma of law prohibiting her. Not only does the illegalization of prostitution deny the rights of women over their bodies as means of monetary sustenance, but makes conditions less safe for all involved. A situation where prostitution is well regulated provides a safe environment for both the woman and the one subscribing to her service. The opportunity for disease to spread and the need for dangerous back alley abortions goes down dramatically in a system that legalizes and regulates prostitution as a profession.
Posted by: FilthyEllsworth70Yes to legalization, ONLY if regulated!
When I say "If regulated", I mean "if it is in a professional establishment like a brothel, or other establishments that can provide a safe environment, with rules for both its workers and costumers."
1. Rape would decrease.
2. If regulated, STD's would decrease.
3. Would make it legal to create a safe working environment for sex-workers.
4. If brothels were built for the sex-workers, it would be less attractive to buy a prostitute from the street, reducing the amount of people forced to work in such an environment.
5. It could be taxed.
6. Sex is good for your health. (Vague argument, but still)
7. Regulated, prostitution would have small amounts of occupational hazards.
8. People are prostituting regardless of what the law says. Regulated, legalizing prostitution won’t have downsides like legalizing drugs or stealing.
9. If regulated, it would reduce the association of drugs in the occupation.
10. The police could focus on other things.
11. Sex workers could form work unions, giving them a voice.Posted by: AnonymousWE CAN TAX IT
If we were to legalize prostitution then we could tax the profits the prostitute makes. This would make more money for the government that it didn't have. The government could also make laws to help protect prostitutes a lot more. The idea of prostitution is obviously a good one. Duh!
Posted by: AnonymousLEGALIZE IT
Yes prostitute is indeed immoral, and shouldn't be a recommended profession. However, these claims that prostitution will lead to legal child trafficking is ridiculous. In fact, legalizing prostitution will reduce child trafficking because of the regulations that would be created. Also, people talk as if legalizing prostitution will make it a honorable profession which is not true in anyway. Prostitution will still be a last resort for most people, it won't be socially acceptable for a long time, even after legalization.
Posted by: AnonymousStupid question.
Of course it should be legal. A human being should have the right to do whatever they want with their own body. And if another human being wants to compensate them, so be it. There are a lot more important issues to be focusing our attention on.
Posted by: Anonymous
It should not be legal!
The moral fabric of society is already rottening! A wife already has to worry about her husband cheating...making this legal is not only wrong but immoral. If someone wants to be immoral they should have a legal right to do so. Would you want your daughter to think of this as a profession...because if it is made legal it could become as normal as working as a secretary! If a woman wants to be immoral and a man wants to be immoral then both should suffer the consequences of the law if caught!
Posted by: AnonymousView of a 16 year old girl.
By legalizing prostitution, you are agreeing to using women and girls as merchandise. Legalizing prostitution will give people an unsafe fall-back option and decreases the incentive for post secondary education and any real employment opportunities. With prostitution comes a high risk of exposure to street crimes, as well as violence characterized by bodily harm, health hazards and mental trauma. Prostitution promotes unsafe sex, woman inequality & is overall just immoral.
Posted by: merisssssaIt is bad way to earn a living! Should not be legal!
Reasons:
1) Is a risk to get HIV/AIDS
2) There are other ways to earn a living
3) Women have choices
4) It is wrong to women to sell their bodies, because it is disrespectful
5) It is shame on women
6) Real men does not buy women- JT
7) As women get older, she would not be able to be a prostitute
8) Risk of dying
9) Men can rape the women
10) There is not only women who are prostitutes, there are also children who are prostitutes that have been forced into it
11) It affects society
12) Makes the women drug addict and alcoholic
13) Health problems
14) Women might die of hunger as she gets older, if she won't find any other jobs, and she would also have no one who could take care of her
15) It is not sexPosted by: AnonymousThere's a Flaw in the Flow of Logic
Men already see women as an object. And it’s a luxury to live in a country that prohibits prostitution, especially when so many countries struggle with the increasingly troubling issue. We all know, prostitution is selling yourself as an object. Sure, all jobs hire you to do a service, what’s the difference with prostitution? The difference is the emotional turmoil. After having sex with man after man after man after man, I’m sure that it will lower your self esteem. And YES it’s your body, you can do what you want with it. If you want to commit suicide, no one should stop you! It’s YOUR body. Ever tried meth? Why not!? Do what you want to do! Does anyone feel like there’s something wrong with that? Sure, you do have the freedom and choice to do what you want to do. I think that’s beautiful, and I’m glad for it. But there is something off with being OKAY with others hurting themselves, right? You can feel it somewhere, can’t you??? And with that said, and the flow of logic being A:B B:C, then the government should legalize just about everything, as long as it doesn’t hurt the person around you. If you want to hurt yourself, then that’s fine, it just can’t hurt your neighbor. There is something seriously wrong with that. It makes me sad. And the worst thing is, the people reading this will just think I’m a self-righteous conservative. But this is something that truly bothers me in my heart. I’m not trying to make anyone feel guilty, I just want to share what I believe is true. And I feel that being okay with people objectifying themselves, well, is not okay.
Posted by: ClairecathrineHow does this affect the children?
Sex is still primarily an act to make babies. Woman are wired to respond to it in such a way, even despite the changing gender roles. Unless the prostitutes get their tubes tied there will an explosion of kids born out of these situations - even if contraception is used properly - and how will this impact their lives? Is this the right step for the next generation?
Posted by: taysicProstitution should NOT be legalized.
I'm doing this debate in my argumentation & debate class and I'm 17. All of the research I have done proves that prostitution shouldn't be legalized. Most prostitutes are teen runaways or lead into that type of life because of sexual assault as a child and beatings. Although prostitutes sell their bodies for sex it doesn't mean they are always willing. Most cases from former prostitutes state that they have to put their minds somewhere else to think they're not having sex. They also have the risk of being raped and beaten by any person purchasing them. Legalizing prostitution will not end the violence of prostitutes and yes, it will still go on underground as it is now if it is not legalized. Second, prostitution being illegal cost taxpayers millions a year just to incarcerate them but being legal it'll also cost them big bucks to get each prostitute checked for STDs. That's probably once a month for all prostitutes . There's more reasons on why but those are just the major reasons.
Posted by: AnonymousI opposed the legalization of prostitution because of the disease and dangers associated with it.
Working on the street as a prostitute is, to put it bluntly, disgusting and wrong. So many things can happen on the streets, such as rape and murder, as well as the spread of STDs and births of children that are unwanted. This lifestyle isn't safe for anyone, even if they can make money to support themselves. The abuse that prostitutes may get from their "pimps" or "johns" isn't worth all the pain of having sex with random people.
Posted by: R4PTybaNO !
I believe that prostitution should NOT be legal . What is wrong with you people , who say yes to this . Prositituion comes with alot of wrong . Murder, drugs , an sex . This should not even be a question . Have sex on your own time , not on the streets or in a strangers car . Keep it classy an less trashy .
Posted by: AnonymousAre you saying we should legalize all immoralities?
First all, we all know what immoral acts are: murdering, kidnapping, robbing (a bank for example), child pornography, human trafficking, prostitution; just to name a few. By legalizing prostitution, you are actually saying that we can legalize killing, drug abuse, and anything and everything that is against human life/morality. Although prostituting may not have any physical harm as you claim, it is just not the right to do. It's against humanity. Just like all other moral issues.
Posted by: AnonymousWhat happened to morality?
If any one of you can honestly claim that you'd be okay with your mother, sister, daughter or friend becoming a prostitute, then this world has gotten far darker than I had ever imagined. Stop arguing that women have a right to do what they want with their bodies, and start teaching them to love and respect their bodies! It makes absolutely no sense to legalize something that is morally wrong simply because the illegalization doesn't prohibit the offense. By that standard, it should be legal to shop lift. People are just going to do it anyway, right? The illegalization just makes it more exciting! We should always stick up for what's right and never give in to what is wrong because it is simpler.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, I don't think prostitution should be legalized; it's a disgraceful thing to do for money.
Prostitution shouldn't be legalized, it's a shameful way to make a living, and it can be ruinous to individuals if they are exposed for using prostitutes. If women (or men) want to sell their sexual services to other people, it should remain the dark and unsavory business it is now, not legalize it to make it more acceptable. Legalizing prostitution would be bad in many ways. Too many young women would see this as a way to earn a living and when they get older they will be without skills, except for sex, and the fact is, anyone can do that.
Posted by: PinkMychIt is wrong to support the legalization of prostitution
Prostitution is the selling of a person's body for pleasure, but there are already an overabundance of excessively pleasurable activities. It degrades the Morality of Society by objectifying women even more than they already are. In order for this country to get back on it's feet and out of a regression, we need to have morally correct careers. Treating prostitution as a real job option would hurt potential beneficial careers because it is easy. You don't need college or even school in general to prostitute yourself. Supporting prostitution really is a radical left wing liberal idea and what has put America in the state of what it is in right now.
Posted by: AnonymousWhat do the prostitutes have to say?
So Canada is trying to make a decision based on the opinion of a minority of prostitutes and sex workers who enjoy their jobs. Most of the the people who want prostitution to be legalized claim that everyone has a right to their own bodies, yet without realizing that a majority of prostitutes have had this right taken away from them. It frustrates me that those who are for prostitution are speaking from their own uneducated perspectives without actually taking the time to look into the perspectives and reality of the lives of the prostitutes themselves (and I'm not talking about Terry-Lynne Bedford and her friends). How has the law endangered these women, was the law not put in place because the public did not want to see prostitution in their neighborhoods. It is the John's, the pimps and the clients that endanger sex workers, if anything there should be laws put forward to stop them! Whether prostitutes are indoor or outdoor they will continue to be endangered by their clients and pimps. Legalizing acts of prostitution is not going to make a safer life for prostitutes, it will only increase problems associated with prostitution and opens the door for more perversion and sickness in the way people treat each other.
Posted by: AnonymousWomen are not merchandise.
Prostitutes (still mostly women) should not be treated as merchandise. It not only degrades them, it also degrades the sexual act as something physical and not the expression of love it should be. For desperate people there should be some sex surrogate (like it has been a few decades ago), but it should be more a therapeutic approach. Prostitution has usually also crime (drugs, pimps, violence) in its wake. The solution would be more substitute drug programs (methadone), therapy, to reduce the addicted prostitutes and harsher punishment for rape, so that innocent women don`t become "targets".
Posted by: AnonymousIs it really safer...or even consentual?
Many people believe that legalizing prostitution will create a credible tax income, reduce crime, reduce the amount of prostitution in general, and since it is two adults it is means they are "consenting". Some of this is true; the government will be able to tax income. But the question is, will they pay the taxes or will they just continue to illegally prostitute without paying? You say it will reduce crime it prostitution is legalized, but is that true? Abusing people is already illegal and it is done anyways. Sexual slavery and trafficking will increase because it's only a matter of time until that becomes legal...right? If prostitution is legal, it will make it an acceptable pastime, making it so everyone who held back before because of moral reasons alright with doing it. You say that prostitution should be legal because there is no low prohibiting sexual activity between two consenting adults? Well the hard truth is that many of the people in prostitution do not want to have sex with strangers. And if that is so, how can you tell the difference between those who want to and those who do not?
Posted by: BukluvrFREAK No because....
It WILL cause greater powers to human trafficking and will become a system in which we can't even dream of. What kind of system? You can't even imagine.
I don't want prostitution as a legal career choice for my children in the future. For example they'll be signing their career papers out and you'll 'legal/professional prostitute' as one of the options. Heck no! You say it won't happen? Of course it will because it's not even illegal! Don't have to be on papers! It's a choice and path that they can take, so no I don't need my children considering prostitution as a career choice.Posted by: AnonymousAside from the moral aspect, legalizing prostitution is like government controlled slavery.
Slavery is a system under which people are treated as property to be bought and sold. People are not a commodity period! People are so concerned that President Obama would turn this country into communism - I don't believe we have to worry about him when many citizens are happy to do this themselves. Seriously 75% think yes!
Posted by: Anonymousprostititution should not be legalized.
it is not only wrong morally but has an impact on us socailly through teen pregnancy and divorce but will also impact our health with stds because they may be forced to have sex and the pimp may not wear a condom. you also never know if the other party has any diseases. some diseases are severe and life threatening. kids will also be exposed to it in commercials, ads, brochures ect. crime rates will also increase.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's really gross
Women are getting raped as it is. Why would people subject to even more violence when it is not needed? It will happen either way, illegally but is it even worth it? Why should the police protect those who put themselves at that much risk? Is horrible although its an easy money maker its an easy disease catcher as well.
Posted by: AnonymousIt happens anyway
Yes, this has happened for centuries, to say the least. It does not make it any less of a crime. Prostitution was and still is promoted as a rite of passage for men, it is considered a sin for women who refuse to do so. Reasons for becoming a prostitute include: lack of income or lower income, lack of education, forced/trafficked, family/religious pressure, past experiences of sexual abuse... Clearly, prostitution is a social phenomenon that has been advertised by disregarding these features of the problem. It been said, if better resources and opportunities were to be provided for women, they would be less likely to become prostitution.
Posted by: AnonymousThink of the children!
Would you want your children/grandchildren to grow up thinking prostitution is a noble legal profession? If such an easy, unskilled, high-salary "jo?" Becomes legal, then we will lose millions of valuable workers to the industry. "becoming a prostitut?" Will soon be a legitimate excuse for teenagers to start dropping out of high school. College acceptance qualifications will drop significantly. The following generations will be stocked with imprudent, disease filled home wreckers. While we're at it, let's make child trafficking legal! Next thing you know, in a few years or so after everyone starts to warm up to the idea of legal prostitution, the concept will be more openly this?ussed, no longer labeled as taboo. Prostitutes will start to demand for "equal right?" In regards to social criticism and this?rimination. Is this what you want? A world where your husband/wife/son/daughter can just drop by the local prostitution store and grab a quickie? Divorce rates would sky rocket, and the court system would be overflowing with messy financial/child custody battles. We have enough serious crimes to focus on without the help of these distractions. Common people, get real. I really can't side with the overwhelming majority this time. How silly that those who calm keeping prostitution illegal call us "fak?" For trying to be "too moral", are actually being the ones trying too hard to be "mora?" Themselves.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, it is one of the moral diseases.
I believe that if it is legalized it will soon will lead to social problems. Although the government may tax such sources of income, but I believe society will be faced with many social problems. In fact, government themselves will try to overcome this problem. However, it will further create loss to government and society as the marginal benefit earned for tax imposed will never exceed marginal costs overcome this immoral action.
Posted by: amira9790No one here really understands what prostitution is.
Prostitution is not often a case of "my body, my choice". Many people, including in the United States, are trafficked into prostitution all the time. These people are literally kidnapped and forced into the "profession". These people are then systematically destroyed psychologically, allowing for their pimp to take ownership of them. It isn't a good life, and most people involved in it would rather not be a part of it. Most of the arguments here boil down to "my body, my choice" or "it's gonna happen anyways, so just legalize it". Both are weak, ill-founded, and naive. Maybe the U.S. Constitution doesn't technically protect morality, but it is meant to protect rights, and people's rights are violated by prostitution. It is not, as some would say, a victimless crime.
Posted by: AnonymousNO, it is against the bible.
I do not think that prostitution should be legal because, for one, it is against the Bible. And that right there should be a reason not to. Second, its disgusting, one woman/man with a bunch of different people, there would be so many different diseases! Its just really gross. And God says that you should only be with one man/woman and that is your spouse, its against the Bible and as far as I'm concerned against the law!
Posted by: AnonymousThe Lies and hypocrisy we tell our children
If the United States legalizes prostitution on a wide scale basis wouldn't this increase the risk of teenagers becoming future prostitutes. Mainly, it's hypocritical that many Americans and U.S. Citizens such as myself tell our children not to become prostitutes, strippers, etc. But, we would make the same thing that we advocated against legal? Even with restrictions, how do we as a nation distinguish against Human trafficking (those who are 18 and above) and legal prostitution on such a wide based scale? Morality is not the issue. In bluntest terms, everyone is entitled to what they do with their bodies. But, it becomes a question of are we practicing what we preach to our children? On the subject of drug use, if a woman who is a prostitute wants to do drugs she will do them regardless. There will also be drugs in relation to prostitution. Where is the capital that will be provided to create these brothels and how much regulation is needed? There much more than ethical and moral reasons , women who participate in hyper sexual activity run the increased risk of PID (Chronic Pelvic Pain and Inflammatory Disease), psychological effects etc. Its a personal decision when it comes down to the point, but it seems to me if the US makes prostitution legal, what is this saying to the children of America?
Posted by: AnonymousLegalizing prostitution would not solve a lot of the problems associated with this activity, so I am definitely against legalizing it.
Legalizing prostitution would not prevent a lot of the illegal activity that accompanies prostitution like pimping, drug abuse, and robbery because the activity is immoral and legalizing the activity doesn't cure what leads a person to participate in such an immoral activity. It would be better to address the problems of drug abuse and poverty, sexual abuse, and other problems that lead a person to participate in prostitution than to just legalize it. Legalizing prostitution is only putting a band-aid on the problem.
Posted by: TasticBranProstitution shouldn't be legalized, because it will not reduce the amount of prostitution that occurs, or reduce the crime that goes along with it.
Many people believe the by legalizing prostitution, there will be less crime involved, and that it will also give prostitution a different, more acceptable face. However, this isn't the case. While it may clean it up, to a degree, it will lead to utter chaos and prostitution rings everywhere. It will lead to every kid in high school hanging out in those places. Not only that, the right and moral thing to do is to make sure that we are upholding moral values.
Posted by: ToyMattLegalisation doesn't work
Legalisation of prostitution increases human trafficking (in majority women and children)., examples in countries such as Austria and Germany.
The best way to defeat prostitution would be by decreasing demand for such service.
Every for of prostitution id degrading and it is a form of violence.
We need to protect vulnerable women and children, not through legalisation but criminalisation of people who use it (especially if they are aware of the fact that the person if forced or coerced to prostitute itself)Posted by: myopinion5The Lies and hypocrisy we tell our children
If the United States legalizes prostitution on a wide scale basis wouldn't this increase the risk of teenagers becoming future prostitutes. Mainly, it's hypocritical that many Americans and U.S. Citizens such as myself tell our children not to become prostitutes, strippers, etc. But, we would make the same thing that we advocated against legal? Even with restrictions, how do we as a nation distinguish against Human trafficking (those who are 18 and above) and legal prostitution on such a wide based scale? Morality is not the issue. In bluntest terms, everyone is entitled to what they do with their bodies. But, it becomes a question of are we practicing what we preach to our children? On the subject of drug use, if a woman who is a prostitute wants to do drugs she will do them regardless. There will also be drugs in relation to prostitution. Where is the capital that will be provided to create these brothels and how much regulation is needed? There much more than ethical and moral reasons , women who participate in hyper sexual activity run the increased risk of PID (Chronic Pelvic Pain and Inflammatory Disease), psychological effects etc. Its a personal decision when it comes down to the point, but it seems to me if the US makes prostitution legal, what is this saying to the children of America?
Posted by: AnonymousLegalizing violence against women
Prostitutes will face violence whether prostitution is legal or not, the only difference is that criminalizing it would create a legal system that would ensure such crimes as punishable. Violence against women will overflow into the general public. Studies show that men who "hire" prostitutes also commit many other crimes.
Posted by: AnonymousFailure of the police and judicial system
Women who are subjected to violence whether it be through prostitution or not, are less like to receive justice. In India the police bribe the victim and the family to keep their mouths shut, they question the validity of the claim, they take it to court but always find the perpetrators innocent. In the US we have seen society and the law take very little action against the perpetrators, victims are said to have caused it through their actions and ways they dress... These are all excuses and leave the women vulnerable to more crimes. Legalizing prostitution doesn't make it any better. Prostitute raping is overlooked, brothels bribe police to stay away in order to get past any regulation requirements etc.
Posted by: AnonymousI don't see any advantage to letting people sell their bodies for sex.
I generally don't have any qualms about how people use their bodies, but I see no advantage in allowing anyone to legally sell their body for sex. I wouldn't outlaw any sexual act between consenting adults, but allowing the exchange of cash for sex invites abuse and demeans the participants.
Posted by: Th4FireTo legalize prostitution would lead to gender inequality
The overwhelming majority of prostitutes are women. By legalizing prostitution we openly commit ourselves to the notion that the female body is a commodity that can be bought by men for money. This will irrevocable change our perception of male and female roles in society. Also most people that prostitute themselves do so because they feel pressured into it by a number of factors (economical, trafficking, drugabuse, etc.) very few people will actively chose to become a sex worker because they enjoy the experience. Lastly a legalization would probably not remove the stigma of working as a prostitute and it would not suddenly become easy to regulate the sex trade and make it safe to those involved.
Posted by: Anonymousit should not be legal since the sex industry don't now the different between "free" and "force" and if they cannot what makes someone think that a man that buys a women or a child now the difference as well
prostitution shouldn't be legalized for that a women and a "child" is harm to many times and its not good for the soul and the body. And it harm us a country since we have made so many change and this profession still is growing an yeah people do have the right to do whatever they want with their bodies but its not right when its a man taking advantage. If prostitution did come to be legal not only would abuse grow but we will give the right to pimps and other people that think that a person is a toy so why not use it over and over. So why allow it why give them the right why give them that right. And one more thing who would like to see a sister or a mom or even a brother being pressured to do this or force its the same thing as drug it is just not right
Posted by: AnonymousMisconception of Rape
Legalizing prostitution will decrease rape, this is true. But, it is true only in the sense that non-prostitutes will be less likely to be raped while, prostitutes will still be a resource for legal rape. Paying someone doesn't make it any less of a rape, prostitutes have expressed it as rape. Studies show that more than 90% of prostitutes want to leave the field of prostitution and thus feel that being a prostitute is like being continuously raped.. Some as much as 30 or 50 times a day.
Posted by: AnonymousRights of both Men and Women
The United Nations 4th World Conference on Women Beijing 1995: 220 "Every person should be entitled to participate in, contribute to and enjoy cultural, ECONOMIC, political and SOCIAL development" Clearly, the lack of "participation" has greatly contributed to the enjoyment of such rights and the likelihood of prostitution, to say the least. Women are denied education or can not get an education for many reasons, this causes major economic disparities. Women are deprived on a social level because they are not given opportunities to partake and voice their opinions in societies where their opinions are devalued (US too). 224 "Violence against women both violates and impairs or nullifies the enjoyment by women of human rights and fundamental freedoms." The MAJORITY of prostitutes, if not all, endure violence from their pimps and "johns." 230 paragraph G. "all States should undertake a review of all national laws, policies, practices and procedures to ensure that they meet international human rights obligations in this matter." It is the OBLIGATION of states who have signed and ratifies human rights conventions on the protection of women's rights to abide by their obligations by changing and implementing LAWS that help to ensure the provision of rights for ALL women. Legalizing prostitution would be contrary to this purpose by eliminating and therefore violating the rights of women by legalizing the violences inflicted on them. 230 paragraph M. Prevent and eradicate "child prostitution, child pornography and other forms of sexual abuse" Prostitution already includes a "too high" number of child sexual exploitation, to legalize prostitution would be to decrease and inhibit efforts to eradicate such practices.
I can keep going on and on so let me make this easier:Declaration of the Rights of Woman 1791, The Human Rights of Women 1998, Declaration of Rights of the Women of the United States 1876.
None, I repeat NONE, of these international conventions permit the legal practice of prostitution in that they demand the enforcement of human rights BY governments. To legalize it would be to separate a group of women for the purpose of VIOLATING their rights by defining them as INHUMAN.
Also, I have yet to see any convention, covenant, treaty or other legal document, both nationally and internationally, that declares the provision of sex a RIGHT to anyone. Maybe I'm just misinformed.Posted by: Anonymous