Should prostitution be legalised?

This site Prostitution ProCon.Org presents in a simple, nonpartisan pro-con format, responses to the core question "Should prostitution be legal?

1.Top 10 Pros and Cons on the Legalizing Prostitution Debate "Should prostitution be legal?"

Here are some of the main arguments in the legal prostitution debate.

2.Prostitution Policies Around the World

a. Prostitution b. brothel ownership c. pimping is legalized, criminalized, decriminalized depending on the country.

Any thoughts?

[maushan3]

Wow, very interesting article there, Diceke. It has many details about it all around the world.

I think you are talking about prostitution in Japan, probably. If that is the case, then I think it wouldn't be any more or any less to legalize it in Japan since, I think, most people get away with it. I think the main problem here is the 'enjo kosai' with underage girls.

It really wouldn't make a difference (I'm talking about every country) since corruption exists everywhere and it only creates more mafia problems and more coruption, you might know what I mean. It will be the same, just that in places that have it illegal, this would be a complete obscure industry where many people get trafficked and many more horrible things.

Mauricio

[SushiShin]

cool thread with usefull information! never knew about argentina and japan!
keep up the research i would say

-Gambatte ne!

[Mars Man]

I think the information is important in that it helps the human race to better deal with the realities of our sexualities. Prostitution is a very, very old matter, and is not only a homo sapien matter either...but more on that later.

Now, I would first like to ask you, diceke san, what your thoughts are--I think that would be more proper for the person who starts a thread.

[Tokis-Phoenix]

In light of the of the Steven Wright case, the BBC news website did an interesting article on men who sleep with prostitutes;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/7257623.stm?lsm


I have thought about the subject of prostitution many a time but i have found no answers myself to the problems o prostitution in society, however yet again i find myself thinking, would it be better if we legalized it?

For a start, i shall make it clear that i don't have any particular strong feelings on prostitutes either way- if i was made to decide, i would say that it is not ideal situation for woman, however i think if it is what the woman in question is happy doing, then it is her right to do whatever she wants to do with her body.

The main reason why i am against prostitution though is primarily because at the end of the day, numerous women are forced into the profession, and i cannot agree with such a profession that can at times border on slavery when it comes to pimps and their prostitutes.


I do believe though if it were legalized, then it would help solve many of the problems in society that surround prostitution.

IMHO, pro's of legalizing prostitution are;

a. By legalizing the industry it would bring it out a lot more into the open so to speak, it wouldn't necessarily may it more sociably acceptable, but it would perhaps make it easier for those women who are being abused as prostitutes to come out and seek help for their problems.

b. The government could tax it and this tax could be put towards more important things in society, like education and health care systems, building prisons and houses and elderly people's homes etc.

c. Legalizing prostitution would bring it out into the open more, and this would make it easier for the police to monitor the industry and help protect prostitutes. But it would also mean that the police could enforce laws within the profession, for example banning prostitutes from walking the streets or working in unlicensed brothels.

d. Licensed brothels could have mandatory STD/STI check ups on all the woman working there, there could also be searches for illegal immigrants, drug abuse and underage prostitutes and more.
If prostitution was legalized then a lot of brothels would want to make their where abouts known to the police and general public, because it would be better for their own business if they were widely known as a licensed brothel.

e. Licensed brothels and prostitutes would compete with the illegal ones- punters will prefer to go to a licensed brothel where they know all the woman working there are "clean" and are citizens of this country and are working in the business of their own free will, than to go to an unlicensed brothel where prostitutes there could be carrying all manner of STD's, could be underage or illegal immigrants, could have been forced into the profession against their free will etc.
By competing with the unlicensed brothels, the licensed ones would be sure to out-compete the unlicensed ones, and by doing this they would be putting a lot of the crooks/nasty pimps out of business; this would reduce crime overall in many ways.




I can't see that many cons of licensing prostitution apart from perhaps offending public or religious people's morals. But then again there's a lot of things in society that do that.

What do you think- do you think legalizing prostitution would be better than keeping it illegal?

[Elizabeth van Kampen]

Hello Tokis-Phoenix,

I guess that legelize prostitution, is also better for the health of the ladies and for the gentlemen visitors. There are several venreal diseases and worse. I should say that a check p on these girls is a must.
And indeed licensed brothels give less troubles and complications.

But is Amsterdam they are now trying to hide those "red" windows in the centrum of the city. But only there is a lot more that just those windows, There are the small shops with all sorts of porno films, sex objects and Paddo's ( don't know if I spell it correctly).
All this business attracts lots and lots of tourists to Amsterdam, from all the corners of the world. Men and women.
And there is of course a police station right on the corner.

What do you think- do you think legalizing prostitution would be better than keeping it illegal?


In my eyes yes.

[Goldiegirl]

There is legalized prostitution in Nevada in the USA. I am not sure of any other states. The woman all have to pass health tests at least yearly and be licensed or something like that. I think if prostitution was legalized that it should be taxed. That money could go towards woman's charities, or medical studies, health care, you name it. I don't like prostitution, but if by legalizing it we could make woman's lives better who are in the business, I suppose I would be for it....

[bakaKanadajin]

As Goldie-san pointed out, a thing not under the control of the government is an opportunity for taxation laying in wait. I think this should be the number one reason for legalizing prostitution and minor drugs like marijuana. There really is no reason aside from ethical and moral issues why these things cannot be regulated. We know that marijuana is only as harmful as alcohol, if not less so, and sex is dangerous only because of disease. So if we'll stand by and regulate alcohol (which leads to more deaths than pot) and we'll also turn a blind eye to street hookers and classified page escorts, why not dip the fingers a little deeper into the black market and reclaim some of this lost earning potential? They're permitted to exist to a certain degree anyway, so why not create an opportunity for these things to be taxable and regulated?

I think people are just still too old fashioned in general for this kind of thing. Politicians do not want these nefarious elements of society to become part of their realm, I mean who wants to be appointed the Minister of Prostitution? Well see actually I'd love to but I'm of a different generation.

By educating people, as they do in the Scandanavian countries, they're better able to prevent teen pregnancy. By contrast, all this abstinence BS in the USA isn't working and teen pregnancy is on the rise. This is a perfect parallel example of how to put religious doctrine and ethical squeamishness aside and properly stop a problem at its source.

[—΂³‚ñ]

Here comes the problem with legalized prostitution: Illegal prostitution hiding within the legal prostitution. Such as bringing in one's daughter to work, non-constant checkups, and so forth. Who's going to go all over all of these rings and make sure that they're keeping things clean? In my opinion, AS A CHRISTIAN I SAY, "a ***** can be a ***** all he or she wants, as long as he or she is legal and not forced into it. It's the choice of the prostitutes to do immoral and the choice of the payers, not ours. God gave them a right to sin, they just won't be treated in his eyes as those who don't, but it won't matter to many since they don't believe in him anyway." I just fear for the people who are hidden in these things amoung the legal and truthfully desiring ones. I also feel for the ones born from such activity. Then again, there comes up the issue of abortion... But, that's for another topic.

[Derfel]

Prostitution is older than the laws, rules and regulations made against it. The only solution to stop it would be to castrate all men... but obviously it would cause a bit of unrest lol.
Joking.
Imo not much can be done. Saw this program about the murders, and tbh they said that most prostitutes are on imba drugs, moreover they force themselves in the role of "tools", so, if they view themselves as tools, why should I pity them? Instrumento Vocale, thats all they are, however, if legalizing prostitution means that the clients will be safer from every kinda pest, I say yes.

[—΂³‚ñ]

Legalized rings would be the least checked for forced labor. And little can be done along the lines of safety, but as long as no kids are born with aids or something from it let ti be. I'm only worried about the babies and people who whish they weren't there.

EDIT: I just thought of an idea to get rid of the child problem without condoning abortion. If the girl lives as a prostitute, have the tubes tied. I wouldn't want to live my life knowing my mother was a prostitute, so why let her have kids to let them go through that? Now all you need to worry about is human trafficing. XD

[Kyoto Returnee]

Originally Posted by Tokis-Phoenix

I have thought about the subject of prostitution many a time but i have found no answers myself to the problems o prostitution in society, however yet again i find myself thinking, would it be better if we legalized it?

I think most definitely yes.

We have a lot of private prostitutes in Cairns and they service the Japanese tourism industry well..

That includes male and female tourist..

If someone wishes to have sex for a living, surely it's their right to do so..

Imagine individuals with no partners.. Must be terribly lonely with nobody to snuggle up to udner the sheets, even conversation..

In Japan, people who feel lonely or troubled, have the option to visit host/ess bars which are a great stress relief and a lot of fun..

[Jericho Desu]

From my point of view prostitution is intolerable, imagine your daughter being involved with that world? However this is known as the 'world's oldest profession' so doubtfully its not something that will fully go away. Having said that; I think having prostitution legalised might not be such a bad idea. Having an official 'brothel' set up with precautions and security, would be something very much needed for the woman.
There could be things like blood tests taken to ensure no one has any diseases that are sexully transmitted, regular health check ups for the woman and the assurance that they won't get smacked around by some idiot.

[Dutch Baka]

Making it legal will make the job safer for the girls in my opinion, so I think yes make it legal with strict rules.

Originally Posted by Kyoto Returnee

I think most definitely yes.

We have a lot of private prostitutes in Cairns and they service the Japanese tourism industry well..

I don't think it only is the Japanese tourism in Cairns...

[Kyoto Returnee]

Originally Posted by Jericho Desu

There could be things like blood tests taken to ensure no one has any diseases that are sexully transmitted, regular health check ups for the woman and the assurance that they won't get smacked around by some idiot.

That's why legalizing it would be more appropriate.

I have a good friend in Sydney who runs a legal very well known original five star Brothel named Tiffany's.

That place is something else.. The girls MUST go through a very strict interview process and meet strict criteria.

Any sort of drug use would not be tollerated. They only take the best and most girls used to work their part time..

At $690 an hour, you would think a few guys would have lost their shirt, not to emtnion the other thing!

As for being bashed up, in a palce like Tiffany's, full security, but a bit of a worry on the Streets of Sydney's Kings Cross. I'm talking the prostitutes themselves..

Originally Posted by Dutch Baka

I don't think it only is the Japanese tourism in Cairns...

I think you are right.... Im sure it's the odd Chinese to

[Jericho Desu]

Originally Posted by Kyoto Returnee

That's why legalizing it would be more appropriate.
I have a good friend in Sydney who runs a legal very well known original five star Brothel named Tiffany's.
That place is something else.. The girls MUST go through a very strict interview process and meet strict criteria.
Any sort of drug use would not be tollerated. They only take the best and most girls used to work their part time..
At $690 an hour, you would think a few guys would have lost their shirt, not to emtnion the other thing!
As for being bashed up, in a palce like Tiffany's, full security, but a bit of a worry on the Streets of Sydney's Kings Cross. I'm talking the prostitutes themselves..

You must get some great discounts at that brothel or maybe even a freebie every now and again?
Hehe, anyway I wasn't even aware prostitution was legal in Australia

[Kyoto Returnee]

Originally Posted by Jericho Desu

You must get some great discounts at that brothel or maybe even a freebie every now and again?
Hehe, anyway I wasn't even aware prostitution was legal in Australia

Brothels are legal in some states..

Private escort work has always been hugely popular in Australia.. Any local daily paper with give you an idea..

Japanese girls in Cairns work in the industry, and it's great money for them on their working holiday visas..

Cairns has a high sexual activity rate, and the backpackers love it..

The discount thing wouldn't work as it's all strictly business only and fully confidential for the girls..

besides, I'm married!

[Mars Man]

What has been recognized, that 'prostitution is the oldest trade in the world,' is of course true, and I'll bet even truer and deeper a matter of species propogation than most people have ever come to learn of. In fact, that very thing is very likely the real source of marriage.

It only gets it's bad image today, in the greater part, due to the Abrahamic faith influences over that past one thousand something years. That, in turn, pivots on the concept of sexual state and activity. Sexual state, in all nature, is not a negative thing, nor is the act of sexual union...it is simple, pure nature.

Today, we do have to be careful of health matters related with sex, and we have to be careful (based on the way our societies are set up) with becoming pregnant. In a government controlled sexual service industry, such can be better maintained. The demand for human trafficing can be reduced, and that ill can perhaps be brought under much better control--in not possibly almost eliminated. Ills in society due to inabilities to get sexual stress release can be cured to a large degree--in up to 8 studies, it has been shown that most rape cases are not based on female attire, nor pornography, but but males who have not grown up in immediate environments where sex education occured, or who were unable to get proper release...then followed by a few other reasons in the non-norm cases.

I have on hand a couple of articles from The Times (London) which deal with zoning and housing provided and so on...I'll try to pull them later. I will be better protection for the female too. (as they point out)

Also, the whole image of sexual service as a service for economic subsistence, will be taken to where it should be...another basic way of earning an income, with no negative overtones. The old model of downgrading a woman for that should be brought up to the more balanced understanding of what's really happening, and the natural pressures at work, and the same should be for the male, as well--such service does not automatically mean only female based...it works both ways.

The laws would have to be clear, and medical checks would have to be regular--and for all involved (including customers). But I really do think it would be much better to legalize it by bringing it under goveremental control.

[Dutch Baka]

Originally Posted by Kyoto Returnee

Japanese girls in Cairns work in the industry, and it's great money for them on their working holiday visas..

did you forgot to use some in your post. I am sure that not all Japanese girls work in the Industry...

Edit: I guess that was not the nicest thing to say, even though it only was a question not a statement as a reply to the quote. My apologize for that as an admin.

[Masamune_74]

When faced with this situation, I have always considered the words from a very wise man.
He said, "I sure as hell would never pick up a cheeseburger off the street and eat it." I mean no offense in anyway if you happen to be a said worker in the industry. These are just one man's words on the topic.

[Kyoto Returnee]

Pros:

Good relief and company for both men and women
A quick way for the workers to make a decent quick buck
Good for health
Good for the mind..
Good for the economy as it would be more difficult to hide income
I probably missed a pro but their are obviously many.

Cons:

Cannot really think of any Cons except to say brothel and escort agency owners may go broke!

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I think there is a great difference though between different types of prostitutes and women who are escorts.

Technically, escorts do not sell their bodies for sex, they sell their company- however it is basically an unwritten rule that sex is always part of the bargain.
But i don't think an escort is the same as some hooker who stands on street corners selling her body for small sums of money.

An escort has to be a beautiful and talented women- she needs to be intelligent and witty, good at conversation, up to date with world affairs, she needs to have a sophisticated sense of fashion; she wouldn't dress up like a tart, she has to know how to dress well- her client will most likely be a rich man who runs or is employed by a large and successful company, he doesn't want to have his reputation tarnished by going out with women who obviously look like hookers. So the escort has to dress up in a sophisticated way, a nice business suit perhaps, something that will make her look sexy but won't make her look tarty- the type of dress perhaps that makes one look in her direction but doesn't make one think negative thoughts about her or muse over her etc.

Escorts are usually part of an agency, with a woman running the whole thing at a top (perhaps a woman who is an ex-escort herself), someone who knows the business inside and out thoroughly and can offer her escorts both business/contacts but also protection, she needs to research potential clients to get a good idea of their nature and past history etc because she doesn't want to endanger her escorts.


Actually...In a lot of ways, i see many similarities between the escorts of today across the world to the ancient courtesans of old Japan.


I can understand though why some women would want to become escorts. Apparently you can make big money from the business if you are successful, earning hundreds of thousands of pounds/dollars a year. Most people in my country though, whether male or female, no matter how hard they work, most people can only expect to earn 15-20 thousand pounds a year, and can only start to dream of affording a home of their own by the time they are heading into their 40's or even 50's (house's are stupidly expensive in my country, especially considering for what you get in comparison to what you have to pay to have it).
So i can understand some talented women taking a different route, the route of escorts- earning big money at a young age is a lot more realistic for them, and while money can't buy you happiness, it can make life a great deal easier, and in this sense it can be easier to lead a happier life when you have lots of cash and no money troubles etc.

How can we look down on such women, who at the end of the day just want a better life?


Some people may hate the thought of a woman selling her body for money, but i actually think that many women do it in essence without even realizing they are doing this. For example, how many "gold diggers" have you heard of, i.e. women who marry some old or ugly rich man for his money? How many women's decisions of being or not being with a particular man has been swayed by the fact he is desperately poor or incredibly rich? How many women have been impressed at the money and treats/generosity a man has lavished on them during their first date and continuing early dates in their relationship? How many women have decided not to date a guy because he is in depressingly large debts etc?

IMHO, although it is not the case for me, i think many women do in fact sleep with men for the prospect of sharing his wealth, or considering sleeping or not sleeping with a guy based on his wealth- i think a lot of these decisions are probably unconscious too.

But i personally do not see much difference between a prostitute having sex for money, and a young woman who marries an old or ugly man so she can enjoy/share his wealth. The problem is that the gold digging woman would probably greatly look down on the prostitute, believing that she is much superior and classy than such a woman. But i personally see little difference between the two.

So i think there are different levels of selling of sex/prostitution in society and different degree's of general acceptability/tolerance of such stuff, even though at times there can be little difference between these things.

I don't think that a person selling their body for sex is morally wrong or should be, because i think so much of this is based on culture, and because culture is always changing, it is not a good thing to compare against whether issues should be morally or un-morally correct etc.

I think there are so many benefits/positive points for legalizing prostitution in society, that it should be legalized especially considering that regardless of what the law forbids or accepts, it will continue on its existence in society regardless.

[Mars Man]

If I may, here: no one sells their body in this trade, it's an old expression that should be done away with, actually. Every male or female prostitute offers a service, as you have pointed out with the escort service, and they do not become slaves in the sense of no longer having any control, rights, or possesson of their bodies.

I would strongly suggest adopting this wording, which would, for example, give us the following--which is a very accurate observation :

By Tokis-Phoenix:I don't think that a person's offering sexual service is morally wrong or should be, because i think so much of this is based on culture, and because culture is always changing, it is not a good thing to compare against whether issues should be morally or un-morally correct etc.

(extra bold italics my addition so as to more accurately portray the trade factor)

[—΂³‚ñ]

Originally Posted by Kyoto Returnee

Pros:

Good relief and company for both men and women
A quick way for the workers to make a decent quick buck
Good for health
Good for the mind..
Good for the economy as it would be more difficult to hide income
I probably missed a pro but their are obviously many.

Cons:

Cannot really think of any Cons except to say brothel and escort agency owners may go broke!

1 con, another agency will become too trusted (which branches off to a large number of cons). A rich brothel could pay off the feds to ignor human trafficing or health checks or even child abuse.

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Originally Posted by —΂³‚ñ

1 con, another agency will become too trusted (which branches off to a large number of cons). A rich brothel could pay off the feds to ignor human trafficing or health checks or even child abuse.

That would be a problem with the police rather than the brothel though.

Originally Posted by Mars Man

If I may, here: no one sells their body in this trade, it's an old expression that should be done away with, actually. Every male or female prostitute offers a service, as you have pointed out with the escort service, and they do not become slaves in the sense of no longer having any control, rights, or possesson of their bodies.
I would strongly suggest adopting this wording, which would, for example, give us the following--which is a very accurate observation :

By Tokis-Phoenix:I don't think that a person's offering sexual service is morally wrong or should be, because i think so much of this is based on culture, and because culture is always changing, it is not a good thing to compare against whether issues should be morally or un-morally correct etc.

(extra bold italics my addition so as to more accurately portray the trade factor)

Yes i agree, "offering of sexual service" would probably be a better term than "selling of sex".