talkpolitics | Monthly Theme - The Legality and Morality of Prostitution

blue-mangos.livejournal.com posting in

There is a debate among feminists of today surrounding the legalities and morality of the sex trade. Many believe it should be a legitimate profession that women can choose, out of their own free will, to engage in. Sex itself is not immoral so why should the trade of it be so? It is my belief that it should be legalized, as taking away the underground aspect of the industry will remove a great deal of the risks, dangers and coercion involved. Many countries around the world have legalized prostitution. Some, including Canada, have decriminalized the act of solicitation, while operating a bawdy house, public solicitation and living off the avails of prostitution (pimping) remain illegal. There are some, including many South American countries who have seemed to have struck the best balance, with prostitution and brothels being legal for women over 18 with pimping remaining illegal.

In my opinion, the criminalization of the act is what leads to exploitation of women and to the dangers and abuse that many face. Giving women the option of choosing it as a profession while keeping pimping illegal reduces the coercion aspect. Take away the dark alley scenarios and lack of accountability and it becomes much more safe and controlled. Legalization may also reduce the stigma surrounding prostitution. Men rape and murder prostitutes as they are seen as worthless. Once it is a legitimate job it may raise the value of these women in the eyes of society and especially police. Rapes and abuse of sex workers will be reported to the police once the threat of arrest is removed. The health risks involved in prostitution for both the woman and her clients can also be reduced through legalization. Mandatory health checks can be instituted by the government to stop the spread of HIV and STDs.

Unfortunately, not enough research has been done in these areas to support the belief that legalized prostitution will lead to these positive benefits, and the information out there is conflicting, depending on who has commissioned the study. All we can go on at this point is common sense and the word of the sex workers themselves who have been working for legislation. More attention must be paid to the matter until we find a model that provides the best protection and options for the women involved.

It is my belief that prostitution should be a viable career choice for any woman who chooses to engage in it. However, I recognize that many of those who do so are doing it out of a lack of any other choice, due to socio-economic factors and addiction. A vital part of any countries prostitution standards should be exit strategies and resources available to those who wish to no longer engage in the practice. Efforts should be focused not on punishing the prostitutes, but in determining their needs and choices and giving assistance where desired.

Removing the criminal act, and allowing women greater choices will also remove some of the moral issues many women have with prostitution. Under illegal prostitution, men are seen as dominating and exploiting women. To take away that power and put it back in the hands of women should be seen as a victory by feminist groups. As well, normalizing the sex trade should help to remove the stigma of sex workers as degenerates.

Two areas that must remain illegal and fought against are child prostitution (which should, IMO, be considered anyone under the age of 18) and sex trafficking. It is estimated that 600,000-800,000 men, women and children are trafficked across international borders every year. Globalization and advanced communication devices and the internet have made the practice much easier. Traffickers prey on the vulnerable, mostly those in undeveloped or poor countries. The victims, often teenage girls, are lured from their homes with promises of a better life, removed from their countries and kept in situations where they have no control, no security and no protection from local law enforcement. These are the areas women's groups and law enforcement should be focusing their attention and resources on stopping, these are the true victims of illegal prostitution.

Prostitution is often referred to as the oldest profession in the world. This may not be completely accurate but records exist back to 2400 B.C. where it was recorded on a Sumerian list of professions (along with, interestingly, lady doctor.) and continues through historical records right up to present time. It is safe to say it is not going away. It is time for all countries to recognize this fact and provide the safest laws possible to protect these women.

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From:

a-new-machine.livejournal.com

Just as a side note, I think it's somewhat remarkable that large parts of society now see the cure as worse than the disease in many areas. Many prominent arguments for abortion, drug legalization, prostitution, gun rights, immigrant amnesty and the like all hinge on the idea that making the allegedly unwanted conduct illegal makes the conduct even worse than it would be were it legal, because it will occur anyway.

From:

blue-mangos.livejournal.com

It's interesting that many of those issues come down to autonomy over our bodies and own choices. People are going to continue many acts and decriminalizing them at least provides a measure of safety and security to those involved.

From:

fizzyland.livejournal.com

Europe, or at least countries like Germany and the Netherlands do a far better job at acknowledging reality in making prostitution a legitimate profession. We're Pretend Puritans in North America, including Canada.

From:

peamasii.livejournal.com

I live in Amsterdam so I know a bit about this, it is legal but the conditions are not regulated (there is no "quality of services" control). Most of the workers are immigrant temporary workers, usually from Latin America, Africa or Eastern Europe. They have a chance to make a lot of money in a few years if they are experienced, professional and can maintain a regular clientele, the ones that try to make a quick killing scamming off tourists don't usually manage to do so.

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Monthly Theme - The Legality and Morality of Prostitution