I believe that the government should not decriminalize prostitution. I believe it is very degrading to women and can only lead to further spread of diseases. Especially these days where they find new STD's all the time. It may have been aloud and alright to do a hundred years ago but decriminalizing it will shadow over women and the pride they have fought for this past century.
I believe prostitution should be decriminalized on the grounds that it is an underground industry which occurs all over the world, whether it is illegal or legal for it to occur there. Under government supervision, whether it be federal or state, it can better controlled than it is now. Currently, there are many impoverished females who "street walk" in dangerous neighborhoods as a means to support themselves and possibly even their families. It is evident that males are willing to pay for sex for a variety of reasons and this will continue. If we regulated prostitution, we have a better chance of ensuring that both parties involved will be safe, especially the female. Many sex workers today are illegal immigrants who have been forced to work in such an industry. As stated previously, prostitution will occur whether be legal or illegal, it is up to the government to make sure that its residents are safe, by being government regulated, we can do our best to ensure that std's, abuse, and payments are being controlled.
I think the government should Legalize prostitution not decriminalize it. If it is decriminalized all the laws would have to be removed from the sex practice. On the other hand Legalization means that the government will be able to regulate prostitutes and how they work in certain ways...like in Nevada. Laws can help with the spread of disease by requiring them to have health checks. "Australian study carried out in 1998, the prevalence of sexually transmitted bacterial infections was 80 times greater in 63 illegal street prostitutes than in 753 of their legal brothel counterparts...." (prostitution.procon.org) In order to keep prostitutes off the streets and away from children/ public areas that would be sensitive to the idea, the government can restrict prostitution to brothels or specific areas like the “red light district.” This allows the government to better manage and control the specific areas under which the sex trade would be practicing. Prostitution will always exist under any circumstance but by having regulated brothels or certain legal areas it can make it easier to be sure at least there are some safer means for those who are seeking out prostitutes and those involved in the sex trade.
Interestingly enough, I find that there are valid reasons on both sides of the argument and therefore it is tough for me to rally for the decriminalization of prostitution or to vie for the continuance of its illegality. However, if I were forced to take a stand, I would have to cast my vote for the continuance of the current laws on prostitution. Rather than allowing this market to open up to the common U.S citizen, it seems that the safer bet is to keep it underground.
The major reason that I believe this should be kept under wraps is because it is a major change in legislation. Something this massive can only be foreseen as having effects that laws that were repealed shortly after their installation such as the outlawing of alcohol. Obviously this is a reverse situation where something will be legalized instead of outlawed, however I estimate that the effects and response by the U.S people would be just as dramatic.
And as usual, there is the sentiment that women (nor men) should have to sell their own body for financial support because, in general, I see it as immoral. Disregarding the immorality (or supposed immorality) of prostitution, it seems as though giving people the opportunity to sleep with whomever they choose and pay for does seem to have an element of the ability to be abused like a drug. The level of control that a sex drive can have over a person (typically men, but women included) can very well cause them to disregard their own precautions about who (or what) they sleep with, opening them up to common diseases.
In short, I believe that it is just a safer bet to keep prostitution a crime.
I feel that the governemnt should not decriminalize prostitution. As a female I could not be supportive of a goverenment that would support acts against my gender. By decriminalizing prostitution the government is basically saying it is ok for men to treat women as objects, and to pay for sexual favors. The government would also have to take a look at the age groups that are particaptating in these acts, as many young girls are lured into prostitution. Would the government allow young girls that are takin from their homes and families and subject them to this type of lifestyle? Many specials have investigated prostitution around the world and in the articles we were assigned, it shows that many women were thrown into this life style witout a choice. Also drug abuse is a main reason for women to begin prostitution. So decriminalazing this act would also be saying to these women that their drug use is accepted and they should continue this type of life. I think another main issue that would have to be looked at is the matter of these women having children. Would it be acceptable to have children around this type of environment? Altogether I do not agree with prostituation, and believe that the people that put women into this type of life should be punished, and the women be given help finding a way out.
I believe that the government should decriminalize prostitution. The reason I believe this is because prostitutes should have a way to make their chosen profession safe. If prostitution was decriminalized I believe more women who are takin advantage of in the profession would come forward with crimes commited against them. If a prostitute performs a sexual act and does not get paid for it or if they are beaten by the person reciving the sexual favor they can not report it because they are also partaking in a crime. I also believe that if prostitution is decriminalized that the prostitutes and the coustemers would be safer. The location of the act would be able to take place in a cleaner safer environment as well as putting regulations on std testing. Since prostitution is a thing that has been around for a very long time and doesn't seem to be going away restrictions and laws should be put in place to insue the safety of all parties involved.
No. I feel that although the government needs to find a way to better control prostitution, decriminalization and regulation are not the answer. Making prostitution legal may also encourage more people to take part in it. The idea that it should be decriminalized because people are going to pay for sex anyway is ridiculous, I doubt that anyone ever said crack cocaine should be make legal because so many people were doing it during its epidemic. I also feel regulation would take time and money away from more important social issues. To me the best solution would be the increase the fines and punishment for the Johns who obviously have money to spend. The prostitutes are clearly desperate and may continue regardless of the threat of punishment. This would also increase revenue for the state.
I personally believe that prostitution should not be legalized in the United States. I understand that we are among a narrow number of countries who has laws which restrict prostitution, but then again every culture is different. I think that the portrait painted of prostitution is a skewed one just as it was in the Shah book. Despite the notion that prostitution is the number 1 trigger for STD's, that simply is not true. STD's are most prevalent among college students. STD's attributed to prostitutes account for only 3% of STD's contracted each year. Most prostitutes actually use condoms. Prostitutes and patrons themselves do not want decriminalization of prostitution. There is a certain degree of anonymity when the act itself is kept under wraps. I believe that if prostitution were decriminalized another form would be created, which is even more dangerous. At least now women have some control over their bodies whereas if it is regulated by the government, they would have much less control.
Decriminalizing prostitution will make matters worse, maybe not for the prostitutes but for society. If decriminalized, I feel prostitution would be a gateway to more dangerous activities being requested for legalization. What will be legalized next? A drastic change in legislation will send a mixed message to society because of the irrational nature of the policy. It may lead people to believe that other legislation is incorrect and needs adjustment when in reality it doesn't. There is no benefit to legalizing prostitution; it does not deter other sex crimes or protect the prostitute. It puts society at a greater risk for the spreading of disease because of increased sexual activity. Decriminalizing prostitution will increase the probability of contracting HIV/AIDS for all people. On another note, What about male prostitutes/escorts? We all are created equal, would the decriminalization outlaw male prostitutes or would it regulate them to only service women?What about gay/lesbian/bi-sexual prostitutes? Or should we leave that behind closed doors at their own discretion?
I would argue that there is nothing that can be done to stop the sex trade in this or any other country. Making prostitution illegal only drives the business underground. As long as there is money to be made in this type of work there will be people willing to offer the service. Because the practitioners of the world’s oldest profession have to work more discreetly, due to the laws against prostitution, the entire business is much more dangerous for both the “Johns” and the prostitutes. With prostitutes meeting multiple strangers each night with only the protection of a pimp, who may have many girls to attend to, it is possible that the prostitute could be harmed or even killed during the exchange without anyone finding out until it is too late. The “Johns” have a different problem to worry about. Because this type of work has very few requirements regarding checkups on the health of the prostitutes, it is a very real possibility that they pass along a sexually transmitted disease. That is why I suggest legalization and regulation. Not only would legalization earn the government an increase in revenue through taxes, but the legalization of the trade would allow the practitioners to have a more structured way to meet and even choose their clientele. This protects the prostitute from harm by being able to arrange a meeting in a more public place where security can be ensured, and gives them the ability to speak with a possible “john” giving the prostitute an idea of whether or not the person may be potentially dangerous. Regulation of both the trade and the health of the prostitute would also cut down on the other risk that is commonly associated with prostitution which is disease. The regulators would ensure that those who want to practice the sex trade don’t have any diseases that could be passed during the exchange.
There are many vices in today’s society which are both illegal and abused. Such vices include drugs, underground and off-shore gaming, in centuries past—alcohol and of course, prostitution. All of the aforementioned carry heavy consequences and disciplinary action; however, people continue to abuse them on a regular basis. Some argue that if these actions were legalized they would be less appealing and would be able to be regulated by governmental agencies. However, I take the opposite stand; I believe that such vices are harmful even if entertained in moderation. The best way to combat these recreations are to outlaw them completely and work to maintain there abolition. The more offenders that are reprimanded, the less likely individuals would choose to partake in such activities.
Unfortunately, today’s fast pace society paints a picture of money and glamour that many seek to obtain in the short-term. According to a recent 20/20 documentary, one working girl named Jessie says, “We believe money buys happiness. And it doesn't. But it does for a while." Another says she makes as much in one day at a legalized brothel than she would make as a nurse working for two weeks. It is these attitudes that make the business of prostitution flourish. The only thing that will halt this problem is more serious penalties for such offenses. I believe it starts with the more high profile cases, such as the highly publicized Elliot Spitzer scandal and works its way all down to the street corner hustle. Nevertheless, I believe prostitution is immoral and should not be decriminalized.
As much as I would like to say prositution should be illegal, I'm afraid it would encourage an underground movement (more than there already is. It would be ideal for it not to exist, but since it's "the world's oldest profession," it's probably going to be around forever and if anything we should not necessarily allow it but somehow regulate it. If feel as though the second anything is made illegal, it just makes people want to do it more because they know it's not allowed (drinking, smoking, etc.) If there were rules regulating prostitution perhaps less people would get themselves into it. So I do not really know where I stand on this issue, since it is a touchy subject, but I think either way there needs to be an agreement between the trade and the government.
Prostitution should not be decriminalized because it is a crime and that behavior should not be condoned anywhere by anyone, from the local policeman of towns to government officials of cities, states, or nations. People, especially families, would not want their children to see what goes on in the sex trade near their homes or schools. What if very young children find condoms on the ground or see prostitutes soliciting customers? How do the parents explain to their children what they just witnessed? Hence why we have local police patrolling these dangerous areas for security and safety purposes. If not, then the government has turned a blind eye to this major problem and clearly does not care about everyone else who is affected by it.
If prostitution is decriminalized, then the values of cities decrease as well. Neighborhoods would be taken over by the prostitutes and their customers which would drive families who want to raise their children out of the affluent area and it would hurt legitimate businesses who are not involved in the sex trade. Not only would the safety of everyone be in danger but the health of those people. The articles that were assigned for class discussed in lengthy detail about diseases and how they would spread from person to person much faster the more prostitutes are infected. Government should at least provide the basic standards of health and safety in any area. If people can not trust their government to handle a problem such as decriminalizing prostitution, then who can those people turn to? Who can they trust?
Some information I used was from this article, “Berkley Debates Decriminalizing Prostitution,“ on this website: http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/2005
I believe that the government should not decriminalize prostitution for a variety of reasons. First of all, I am Catholic, and though I know prostitution takes place even though it is illegal, I would not want to see it in the streets in a more public light. I feel that it is morally wrong and should not be openly seen by children driving around with their parents. Secondly, I believe that if the government decriminalizes prostitution, I do not know what else they would decriminalize after that. I understand that prostitution is very difficult to monitor and control. However, I feel that if it is not monitored, will the government legalize drugs next? What I'm saying is that if the government gives up on enforcing prostitution, it sends a very weak message to people. They may feel like the government legalized prostitution because they could not deal with it anymore. This will only encourage criminals to continue doing the immoral acts that they do. They feel that one day a drug dealer may be as one of our articles said, an overnight Entrepreneur. Another reason why this is wrong to legalize is if a young woman is struggling in school, the decision is easier for her to drop out because she feels as though she could have a legitimate career being a prostitute. I feel like that is ridiculous. Legalizing prostitution only encourages people to make bad decisions. Also, though it is legal, does not mean that it still would not be highly dangerous. Each and everytime a man goes to a prostitute heightens the risk that he could catch an STD. I understand the difficulties in maintaining the law and what is right but the government must continue to keep our values intact. Otherwise, as I have said, I believe that the decriminalizing of this law will only lead to other laws being decriminalized.
From a moral standpoint it would seem that keeping prostitution illegal would be a very wholesome and upright decision. The prospect of keeping young women safe from the health and moral dangers is important. On the other hand human nature is far from perfect morality in many ways. Prostitution is not new and has been around for thousands of years. Though the act may be one of the darkest in the spectrum of humanity it is one that coincides with instinctive predispositions. To put it simply, as long as men like sex prostituion won't go away. There is little that can be done to change human nature. So if prostitution is going to exist, no matter what, why not give power to those involved. Legalization would provide physical protection for those doing the work. Obviously the industry would not exist without the most important aspect of it, the women. It would seem that this would give them the most power but often they have the least. This is why the industry would be unionized. That would settle issues of wages and health care. From a moral standpoint I wish prostitution didn't exist. From a logical standpoint I understand that it's probably going to exist no matter what. The situation should be addressed with that in mind.
Prostitution should be legalized but not decriminalized. The difference is that prostitution being legalized means it can still be regulated by laws. If it was decriminalized, prostitutes could not be punished for working outside of sanctioned brothels. The smart thing to do is to keep prostitution criminalized so that if occurs outside of a designated area its punishable. Prostitution can then be moved off the streets to inside brothels. Also, if women were to work in brothels, there would be more safety measures in place to help the women. If a prostitute is picked up by a John and taken to a random hotel, their safety is compromised. In addition, to working at an established brothel, it will decrease the chances of a prostitute being harmed by a sex offender because security and safeguards can be in place to help the workers. By working out of the brothel there could be security near by to stop rape or unwanted sexual acts from happening. An example of a safety measure is that men can pick out women through pictures and under their pictures there can be some short facts for the men to read about. If a woman will not have sex without a condom then that can be put in the report and will keep men from forcing a woman not to use one. One other safety measure is that men will know that women are old enough to have sexual relations. By legalizing brothels, there can be regulations in place to make sure that there are no underage women performing sex acts for money.
In Nevada women must work at sanctioned brothels and are not allowed to work the streets. An important fact is that women must be checked weekly for STD's which will keep them from spreading diseases to customers. Also, a reason to legalize but not decriminalize is that if women work outside of a brothel then they can still be punished. Make prostitution legal within certain limits such as red light districts and within brothels. This will keep prostitutes out of the public eye and from younger children seeing them work. It is important however that if this is legalized, that high school sex education includes prostitution as part of the curriculum. The reason for this is that educators of this subject teach safe sex and the consequences of it. The same can be done with prostitution so that children get the idea that it is not the best way to live and the cons of it far outweigh the pros.
I believe that in legalizing prostitution, the door is opened for other activites to gain legalization. If prostitution were legalized, this would no doubt create a domino effect with other activities. Morality aside, the only reason prostitution would gain legalization would be for the economic gain of those in power. Lives of prostitutes would not improve, nor would the lives of their "employers". If anything, the quality of life of these people would decrease. By using sexual acts as a business, you are dehumanizing those involved. There would no doubt be a large effect on the court system if prostitution became an ordinary occurence, a large effect in public health and the spread of disease, and a huge religious outcry and response. I think the country is better off wothout legalizing prostitution and opening the door for so many problems.
I believe that prostitution should stay illegal. Legalizing prostitution would demoralize women and set back women’s movements. To many individuals, it would portray women as objects instead of people since they could be purchased. Also, the spread of diseases would increase since prostitution would be a norm. Not only that, but other types of illegal acts would become greater in numbers. People in general are more interested in doing something that is wrong. When prohibition was instated in America, many more people drank because it was illegal. So if prostitution were legalized, then child prostitution would increase. Trends like this can be seen in the argument we read about in class.
I feel as though that in today’s society many things that are considered illegal are being practiced regularly in peoples lives. Its a practice that has been going on through out history.Prostitution should be decriminalized for the simple fact that it is being practiced by people on a regular basis and the government should step in a take control of this situation. With the amount of std’s going around there should be a safe system set up to ensure the safety of all parties involved. And for those who practice prostitution illegally they should held accountable by the law. Decriminalizing prostitution may help stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases as well as a portion of it could be taxed and the capital raised from it could go to research to possibly cure some of these diseases that are out there. Although I do not agree with the practice I feel that if its going to go on it should be monitored and controlled by the government in some way.
The decriminalization of prostitution is certainly an interesting debate. While morality plays a key role in my decision, I must step outside of myself and decide that it would be in the best interest of many parties to follow through with the idea of decriminalization. As the process played out in the adult entertainment industry, there are screenings for all participants for disease, which would bar them from the professional should they come up positive. Also, with the stigma lower each day against these individuals, they have been able to speak out for women's rights, unionize for better pay, health care, and most importantly, more say in the decisions about their bodies. Women have become the heads of their name brand companies in response to the power they are given in this industry. I can only believe the changes made in the adult entertainment industry would be parallel in prostitution profession.
On a second note, many prostitutions face threats from "bosses" for payment, or face violent consequences. They often have little say in who, where or what aspects of their bodies they have control over. This basic lack of being able to say yes or no to a John is certainly part of the legislation that would greatly improve the lives of these people. I say this because the amount of rape and abusive from clients occurs in great numbers, and unfortunately many times goes unreported due to the criminalization associated with the profession. For the safety of the John, the Jane, and the society as a whole I think the decriminalization of prostitution would do more good than harm for all involved.
Prostitution is claimed to be the oldest profession yet its is illegal to practice it in our country and many other countries in the world. The question of legalizing prostitution sure is an intriguing one, after our discussions and readings this past week i have many different feelings about this topic. On the one side since prostitution has been around for as long as it has there is a good chance that will be around for a long time to come rather it is made legal or stays illegal. The argument of whether or not prostitution should be legal or not is quite an interesting one.
Looking at the topic from a non-partisan point of view there are many good points for both sides of the argument. The idea that if prostitution is made legal and regulated it can help the women as well as many other people. Since prostitution is illegal prostitutes are not comfortable in going to the police to report abuse. Also if it was made legal then prostitutes would be able to have access to things such as being regularly checked by the doctor for different types of sexually transmitted diseases.
On the other side of the argument is to keep prostitution illegal. Many people feel that the idea of paying for sex is low and immoral. also the idea that someone is selling their body is sen as lude and immoral by the majority of the country and this is why prostitution is banned, for the most part, in the United Statees. Also it is a dangerous profession, not for the fear of being caught or beaten, but also for the fear have catching a potentially deadly disease such as HIV from having unprotected sex or even if you have protection and it breaks.
I feel that prostitution should be made legal because its been happening for so long and their really is no clear cut end in sight. Also, if prostitution is made legal and regulated then it would most likely be a bit safer for the men and women that practice prostitution.
Would you like it if buying a coffee was illegal? How about an alcoholic beverage? Obviously when something that is illegal becomes legal problems are bound to arise. However with support from the government it will work. Look back to the days of prohibition, it was illegal but people were still drinking, not only at home but at speakeasies as well. So why is prostitution so different? It is still in practice in our society even though it is illegal. There is obvious risk in prostitution because it involves the transactions of money and sex but no greater than anything else we do. People today have the luxury to go to a coffee house and get a vendi with caramel and skim milk; they also have the luxury of going to the bar and getting any mixed drink their dieing livers desire. So then why can’t others go out and hit up a brothel and get a prostitute? There are many people (male and female) who have no problem going to a bar and taking a person home hours after meeting them. Wouldn’t a brothel be safer were at least you have a greater chance of knowing that your partner isn’t carrying a disease. Legal prostitutes are tested often and have licenses for business. What about a Gentleman’s club? Is getting a lap dance from a naked woman in a private room really that much different than sealing the deal in a brothel. The only difference would be that it would most likely be cheaper to go to the brothel than the champagne room at your local Lace. If you are against prostitution because you think it is morally wrong, well it is… But it holds the same status as having premarital sex.
There is no evidence to support that legalization of prostitution would stop child prostitution and other heinous crimes against the underclass of society. Who could support a government that advocated the degradation of humanity by legalizing transactional, unsafe sexual encounters? In an age of political careers ending due to extramarital affairs (Jonathan Edwards, Eliot Spitzer), what government official would want to be a proponent of legalized prostitution? Looking beyond our borders, nations in Southwest Asia prohibit women from gaining educational opportunities and enjoying basic civil rights, legalizing prostitution only further limits the perception of the value that women contribute to society, it is unethical and unfair.
There is no such evidence that decriminalizing prostitution would help solve any of the problems that it may cause. In certain places such as the Netherlands and Australia where they have legalized prostitution, the same issues exist. All we would be doing is condoning pimps and madams which certainly is unethical and immoral. It would simply encourage women, and men for that matter, to stay uneducated and become dirty sex workers.
Prostitution is a common in all societies. Decriminalizing it would allow the goverment to make a profit. I believe that they should begin to require medical testing and provided areas for solicitating. There will never be full control over the issues. In the modern world you can find prositutes online on craigslist. It is a never ending flaw of society.
There are a lot of things that are "common" practices that are not moral or ethical (i.e. drug use, money laundering, polygamy - i know very random choices of practices) and should not be legalized or decriminalized because it happens often. A main argument regarding the decriminalization of prostitution is that the government will be able to regulate the industry and protect the women. This does not happen.
According to "Legalizing Prostitution Will Not Start the Harm," by Donna Hughes the industry is a form of slavery that will not be able to be regualated. I think the following portion from her article is very interesting and may give a new persepective to the industry.
"The sex trade is a form of contemporary slavery and all indications predict its growth and expansion into the 21st century.
Approximately three-fourths of the women who are recruited and trafficked are unaware that they are destined for strip clubs, brothels, or the street, where they are sold to eager male buyers. Most of the women are seeking to escape poverty, violence and lack of opportunities, but once they are under control of pimps or traffickers, they are "seasoned" into prostitution by physical and sexual violence and economic coercion."
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28 comments:
I believe that the government should not decriminalize prostitution. I believe it is very degrading to women and can only lead to further spread of diseases. Especially these days where they find new STD's all the time. It may have been aloud and alright to do a hundred years ago but decriminalizing it will shadow over women and the pride they have fought for this past century.
I believe prostitution should be decriminalized on the grounds that it is an underground industry which occurs all over the world, whether it is illegal or legal for it to occur there. Under government supervision, whether it be federal or state, it can better controlled than it is now. Currently, there are many impoverished females who "street walk" in dangerous neighborhoods as a means to support themselves and possibly even their families. It is evident that males are willing to pay for sex for a variety of reasons and this will continue. If we regulated prostitution, we have a better chance of ensuring that both parties involved will be safe, especially the female. Many sex workers today are illegal immigrants who have been forced to work in such an industry. As stated previously, prostitution will occur whether be legal or illegal, it is up to the government to make sure that its residents are safe, by being government regulated, we can do our best to ensure that std's, abuse, and payments are being controlled.
I think the government should Legalize prostitution not decriminalize it. If it is decriminalized all the laws would have to be removed from the sex practice. On the other hand Legalization means that the government will be able to regulate prostitutes and how they work in certain ways...like in Nevada. Laws can help with the spread of disease by requiring them to have health checks. "Australian study carried out in 1998, the prevalence of sexually transmitted bacterial infections was 80 times greater in 63 illegal street prostitutes than in 753 of their legal brothel counterparts...." (prostitution.procon.org) In order to keep prostitutes off the streets and away from children/ public areas that would be sensitive to the idea, the government can restrict prostitution to brothels or specific areas like the “red light district.” This allows the government to better manage and control the specific areas under which the sex trade would be practicing. Prostitution will always exist under any circumstance but by having regulated brothels or certain legal areas it can make it easier to be sure at least there are some safer means for those who are seeking out prostitutes and those involved in the sex trade.
Interestingly enough, I find that there are valid reasons on both sides of the argument and therefore it is tough for me to rally for the decriminalization of prostitution or to vie for the continuance of its illegality. However, if I were forced to take a stand, I would have to cast my vote for the continuance of the current laws on prostitution. Rather than allowing this market to open up to the common U.S citizen, it seems that the safer bet is to keep it underground.
The major reason that I believe this should be kept under wraps is because it is a major change in legislation. Something this massive can only be foreseen as having effects that laws that were repealed shortly after their installation such as the outlawing of alcohol. Obviously this is a reverse situation where something will be legalized instead of outlawed, however I estimate that the effects and response by the U.S people would be just as dramatic.
And as usual, there is the sentiment that women (nor men) should have to sell their own body for financial support because, in general, I see it as immoral. Disregarding the immorality (or supposed immorality) of prostitution, it seems as though giving people the opportunity to sleep with whomever they choose and pay for does seem to have an element of the ability to be abused like a drug. The level of control that a sex drive can have over a person (typically men, but women included) can very well cause them to disregard their own precautions about who (or what) they sleep with, opening them up to common diseases.
In short, I believe that it is just a safer bet to keep prostitution a crime.
I feel that the governemnt should not decriminalize prostitution. As a female I could not be supportive of a goverenment that would support acts against my gender. By decriminalizing prostitution the government is basically saying it is ok for men to treat women as objects, and to pay for sexual favors. The government would also have to take a look at the age groups that are particaptating in these acts, as many young girls are lured into prostitution. Would the government allow young girls that are takin from their homes and families and subject them to this type of lifestyle? Many specials have investigated prostitution around the world and in the articles we were assigned, it shows that many women were thrown into this life style witout a choice. Also drug abuse is a main reason for women to begin prostitution. So decriminalazing this act would also be saying to these women that their drug use is accepted and they should continue this type of life. I think another main issue that would have to be looked at is the matter of these women having children. Would it be acceptable to have children around this type of environment? Altogether I do not agree with prostituation, and believe that the people that put women into this type of life should be punished, and the women be given help finding a way out.
I believe that the government should decriminalize prostitution. The reason I believe this is because prostitutes should have a way to make their chosen profession safe. If prostitution was decriminalized I believe more women who are takin advantage of in the profession would come forward with crimes commited against them. If a prostitute performs a sexual act and does not get paid for it or if they are beaten by the person reciving the sexual favor they can not report it because they are also partaking in a crime. I also believe that if prostitution is decriminalized that the prostitutes and the coustemers would be safer. The location of the act would be able to take place in a cleaner safer environment as well as putting regulations on std testing. Since prostitution is a thing that has been around for a very long time and doesn't seem to be going away restrictions and laws should be put in place to insue the safety of all parties involved.
No. I feel that although the government needs to find a way to better control prostitution, decriminalization and regulation are not the answer. Making prostitution legal may also encourage more people to take part in it. The idea that it should be decriminalized because people are going to pay for sex anyway is ridiculous, I doubt that anyone ever said crack cocaine should be make legal because so many people were doing it during its epidemic. I also feel regulation would take time and money away from more important social issues. To me the best solution would be the increase the fines and punishment for the Johns who obviously have money to spend. The prostitutes are clearly desperate and may continue regardless of the threat of punishment. This would also increase revenue for the state.
I personally believe that prostitution should not be legalized in the United States. I understand that we are among a narrow number of countries who has laws which restrict prostitution, but then again every culture is different.
I think that the portrait painted of prostitution is a skewed one just as it was in the Shah book. Despite the notion that prostitution is the number 1 trigger for STD's, that simply is not true. STD's are most prevalent among college students. STD's attributed to prostitutes account for only 3% of STD's contracted each year. Most prostitutes actually use condoms.
Prostitutes and patrons themselves do not want decriminalization of prostitution. There is a certain degree of anonymity when the act itself is kept under wraps. I believe that if prostitution were decriminalized another form would be created, which is even more dangerous. At least now women have some control over their bodies whereas if it is regulated by the government, they would have much less control.
the source i used is http://www.freedomusa.org/coyotela/decrim.html
Decriminalizing prostitution will make matters worse, maybe not for the prostitutes but for society. If decriminalized, I feel prostitution would be a gateway to more dangerous activities being requested for legalization. What will be legalized next? A drastic change in legislation will send a mixed message to society because of the irrational nature of the policy. It may lead people to believe that other legislation is incorrect and needs adjustment when in reality it doesn't. There is no benefit to legalizing prostitution; it does not deter other sex crimes or protect the prostitute. It puts society at a greater risk for the spreading of disease because of increased sexual activity. Decriminalizing prostitution will increase the probability of contracting HIV/AIDS for all people.
On another note, What about male prostitutes/escorts? We all are created equal, would the decriminalization outlaw male prostitutes or would it regulate them to only service women?What about gay/lesbian/bi-sexual prostitutes? Or should we leave that behind closed doors at their own discretion?
I would argue that there is nothing that can be done to stop the sex trade in this or any other country. Making prostitution illegal only drives the business underground. As long as there is money to be made in this type of work there will be people willing to offer the service. Because the practitioners of the world’s oldest profession have to work more discreetly, due to the laws against prostitution, the entire business is much more dangerous for both the “Johns” and the prostitutes. With prostitutes meeting multiple strangers each night with only the protection of a pimp, who may have many girls to attend to, it is possible that the prostitute could be harmed or even killed during the exchange without anyone finding out until it is too late. The “Johns” have a different problem to worry about. Because this type of work has very few requirements regarding checkups on the health of the prostitutes, it is a very real possibility that they pass along a sexually transmitted disease.
That is why I suggest legalization and regulation. Not only would legalization earn the government an increase in revenue through taxes, but the legalization of the trade would allow the practitioners to have a more structured way to meet and even choose their clientele. This protects the prostitute from harm by being able to arrange a meeting in a more public place where security can be ensured, and gives them the ability to speak with a possible “john” giving the prostitute an idea of whether or not the person may be potentially dangerous. Regulation of both the trade and the health of the prostitute would also cut down on the other risk that is commonly associated with prostitution which is disease. The regulators would ensure that those who want to practice the sex trade don’t have any diseases that could be passed during the exchange.
There are many vices in today’s society which are both illegal and abused. Such vices include drugs, underground and off-shore gaming, in centuries past—alcohol and of course, prostitution. All of the aforementioned carry heavy consequences and disciplinary action; however, people continue to abuse them on a regular basis. Some argue that if these actions were legalized they would be less appealing and would be able to be regulated by governmental agencies. However, I take the opposite stand; I believe that such vices are harmful even if entertained in moderation. The best way to combat these recreations are to outlaw them completely and work to maintain there abolition. The more offenders that are reprimanded, the less likely individuals would choose to partake in such activities.
Unfortunately, today’s fast pace society paints a picture of money and glamour that many seek to obtain in the short-term. According to a recent 20/20 documentary, one working girl named Jessie says, “We believe money buys happiness. And it doesn't. But it does for a while." Another says she makes as much in one day at a legalized brothel than she would make as a nurse working for two weeks. It is these attitudes that make the business of prostitution flourish. The only thing that will halt this problem is more serious penalties for such offenses. I believe it starts with the more high profile cases, such as the highly publicized Elliot Spitzer scandal and works its way all down to the street corner hustle. Nevertheless, I believe prostitution is immoral and should not be decriminalized.
As much as I would like to say prositution should be illegal, I'm afraid it would encourage an underground movement (more than there already is. It would be ideal for it not to exist, but since it's "the world's oldest profession," it's probably going to be around forever and if anything we should not necessarily allow it but somehow regulate it. If feel as though the second anything is made illegal, it just makes people want to do it more because they know it's not allowed (drinking, smoking, etc.) If there were rules regulating prostitution perhaps less people would get themselves into it. So I do not really know where I stand on this issue, since it is a touchy subject, but I think either way there needs to be an agreement between the trade and the government.
Prostitution should not be decriminalized because it is a crime and that behavior should not be condoned anywhere by anyone, from the local policeman of towns to government officials of cities, states, or nations. People, especially families, would not want their children to see what goes on in the sex trade near their homes or schools. What if very young children find condoms on the ground or see prostitutes soliciting customers? How do the parents explain to their children what they just witnessed? Hence why we have local police patrolling these dangerous areas for security and safety purposes. If not, then the government has turned a blind eye to this major problem and clearly does not care about everyone else who is affected by it.
If prostitution is decriminalized, then the values of cities decrease as well. Neighborhoods would be taken over by the prostitutes and their customers which would drive families who want to raise their children out of the affluent area and it would hurt legitimate businesses who are not involved in the sex trade. Not only would the safety of everyone be in danger but the health of those people. The articles that were assigned for class discussed in lengthy detail about diseases and how they would spread from person to person much faster the more prostitutes are infected. Government should at least provide the basic standards of health and safety in any area. If people can not trust their government to handle a problem such as decriminalizing prostitution, then who can those people turn to? Who can they trust?
Some information I used was from this article, “Berkley Debates Decriminalizing Prostitution,“ on this website: http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/2005
I believe that the government should not decriminalize prostitution for a variety of reasons. First of all, I am Catholic, and though I know prostitution takes place even though it is illegal, I would not want to see it in the streets in a more public light. I feel that it is morally wrong and should not be openly seen by children driving around with their parents. Secondly, I believe that if the government decriminalizes prostitution, I do not know what else they would decriminalize after that. I understand that prostitution is very difficult to monitor and control. However, I feel that if it is not monitored, will the government legalize drugs next? What I'm saying is that if the government gives up on enforcing prostitution, it sends a very weak message to people. They may feel like the government legalized prostitution because they could not deal with it anymore. This will only encourage criminals to continue doing the immoral acts that they do. They feel that one day a drug dealer may be as one of our articles said, an overnight Entrepreneur.
Another reason why this is wrong to legalize is if a young woman is struggling in school, the decision is easier for her to drop out because she feels as though she could have a legitimate career being a prostitute. I feel like that is ridiculous. Legalizing prostitution only encourages people to make bad decisions. Also, though it is legal, does not mean that it still would not be highly dangerous. Each and everytime a man goes to a prostitute heightens the risk that he could catch an STD.
I understand the difficulties in maintaining the law and what is right but the government must continue to keep our values intact. Otherwise, as I have said, I believe that the decriminalizing of this law will only lead to other laws being decriminalized.
From a moral standpoint it would seem that keeping prostitution illegal would be a very wholesome and upright decision. The prospect of keeping young women safe from the health and moral dangers is important. On the other hand human nature is far from perfect morality in many ways. Prostitution is not new and has been around for thousands of years. Though the act may be one of the darkest in the spectrum of humanity it is one that coincides with instinctive predispositions. To put it simply, as long as men like sex prostituion won't go away. There is little that can be done to change human nature.
So if prostitution is going to exist, no matter what, why not give power to those involved. Legalization would provide physical protection for those doing the work. Obviously the industry would not exist without the most important aspect of it, the women. It would seem that this would give them the most power but often they have the least. This is why the industry would be unionized. That would settle issues of wages and health care.
From a moral standpoint I wish prostitution didn't exist. From a logical standpoint I understand that it's probably going to exist no matter what. The situation should be addressed with that in mind.
Prostitution should be legalized but not decriminalized. The difference is that prostitution being legalized means it can still be regulated by laws. If it was decriminalized, prostitutes could not be punished for working outside of sanctioned brothels. The smart thing to do is to keep prostitution criminalized so that if occurs outside of a designated area its punishable. Prostitution can then be moved off the streets to inside brothels. Also, if women were to work in brothels, there would be more safety measures in place to help the women. If a prostitute is picked up by a John and taken to a random hotel, their safety is compromised. In addition, to working at an established brothel, it will decrease the chances of a prostitute being harmed by a sex offender because security and safeguards can be in place to help the workers. By working out of the brothel there could be security near by to stop rape or unwanted sexual acts from happening. An example of a safety measure is that men can pick out women through pictures and under their pictures there can be some short facts for the men to read about. If a woman will not have sex without a condom then that can be put in the report and will keep men from forcing a woman not to use one. One other safety measure is that men will know that women are old enough to have sexual relations. By legalizing brothels, there can be regulations in place to make sure that there are no underage women performing sex acts for money.
In Nevada women must work at sanctioned brothels and are not allowed to work the streets. An important fact is that women must be checked weekly for STD's which will keep them from spreading diseases to customers. Also, a reason to legalize but not decriminalize is that if women work outside of a brothel then they can still be punished. Make prostitution legal within certain limits such as red light districts and within brothels. This will keep prostitutes out of the public eye and from younger children seeing them work. It is important however that if this is legalized, that high school sex education includes prostitution as part of the curriculum. The reason for this is that educators of this subject teach safe sex and the consequences of it. The same can be done with prostitution so that children get the idea that it is not the best way to live and the cons of it far outweigh the pros.
http://nevadasagebrush.com/blog/2008/01/21/legal-prostitution-has-special-presence-in-nevada/
"Debating Legalized Prostitution"
I believe that in legalizing prostitution, the door is opened for other activites to gain legalization. If prostitution were legalized, this would no doubt create a domino effect with other activities. Morality aside, the only reason prostitution would gain legalization would be for the economic gain of those in power. Lives of prostitutes would not improve, nor would the lives of their "employers". If anything, the quality of life of these people would decrease. By using sexual acts as a business, you are dehumanizing those involved. There would no doubt be a large effect on the court system if prostitution became an ordinary occurence, a large effect in public health and the spread of disease, and a huge religious outcry and response. I think the country is better off wothout legalizing prostitution and opening the door for so many problems.
I believe that prostitution should stay illegal. Legalizing prostitution would demoralize women and set back women’s movements. To many individuals, it would portray women as objects instead of people since they could be purchased. Also, the spread of diseases would increase since prostitution would be a norm. Not only that, but other types of illegal acts would become greater in numbers. People in general are more interested in doing something that is wrong. When prohibition was instated in America, many more people drank because it was illegal. So if prostitution were legalized, then child prostitution would increase. Trends like this can be seen in the argument we read about in class.
I feel as though that in today’s society many things that are considered illegal are being practiced regularly in peoples lives. Its a practice that has been going on through out history.Prostitution should be decriminalized for the simple fact that it is being practiced by people on a regular basis and the government should step in a take control of this situation. With the amount of std’s going around there should be a safe system set up to ensure the safety of all parties involved. And for those who practice prostitution illegally they should held accountable by the law. Decriminalizing prostitution may help stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases as well as a portion of it could be taxed and the capital raised from it could go to research to possibly cure some of these diseases that are out there. Although I do not agree with the practice I feel that if its going to go on it should be monitored and controlled by the government in some way.
The decriminalization of prostitution is certainly an interesting debate. While morality plays a key role in my decision, I must step outside of myself and decide that it would be in the best interest of many parties to follow through with the idea of decriminalization. As the process played out in the adult entertainment industry, there are screenings for all participants for disease, which would bar them from the professional should they come up positive. Also, with the stigma lower each day against these individuals, they have been able to speak out for women's rights, unionize for better pay, health care, and most importantly, more say in the decisions about their bodies. Women have become the heads of their name brand companies in response to the power they are given in this industry. I can only believe the changes made in the adult entertainment industry would be parallel in prostitution profession.
On a second note, many prostitutions face threats from "bosses" for payment, or face violent consequences. They often have little say in who, where or what aspects of their bodies they have control over. This basic lack of being able to say yes or no to a John is certainly part of the legislation that would greatly improve the lives of these people. I say this because the amount of rape and abusive from clients occurs in great numbers, and unfortunately many times goes unreported due to the criminalization associated with the profession. For the safety of the John, the Jane, and the society as a whole I think the decriminalization of prostitution would do more good than harm for all involved.
Prostitution is claimed to be the oldest profession yet its is illegal to practice it in our country and many other countries in the world. The question of legalizing prostitution sure is an intriguing one, after our discussions and readings this past week i have many different feelings about this topic. On the one side since prostitution has been around for as long as it has there is a good chance that will be around for a long time to come rather it is made legal or stays illegal. The argument of whether or not prostitution should be legal or not is quite an interesting one.
Looking at the topic from a non-partisan point of view there are many good points for both sides of the argument. The idea that if prostitution is made legal and regulated it can help the women as well as many other people. Since prostitution is illegal prostitutes are not comfortable in going to the police to report abuse. Also if it was made legal then prostitutes would be able to have access to things such as being regularly checked by the doctor for different types of sexually transmitted diseases.
On the other side of the argument is to keep prostitution illegal. Many people feel that the idea of paying for sex is low and immoral. also the idea that someone is selling their body is sen as lude and immoral by the majority of the country and this is why prostitution is banned, for the most part, in the United Statees. Also it is a dangerous profession, not for the fear of being caught or beaten, but also for the fear have catching a potentially deadly disease such as HIV from having unprotected sex or even if you have protection and it breaks.
I feel that prostitution should be made legal because its been happening for so long and their really is no clear cut end in sight. Also, if prostitution is made legal and regulated then it would most likely be a bit safer for the men and women that practice prostitution.
Would you like it if buying a coffee was illegal? How about an alcoholic beverage? Obviously when something that is illegal becomes legal problems are bound to arise. However with support from the government it will work. Look back to the days of prohibition, it was illegal but people were still drinking, not only at home but at speakeasies as well. So why is prostitution so different? It is still in practice in our society even though it is illegal. There is obvious risk in prostitution because it involves the transactions of money and sex but no greater than anything else we do. People today have the luxury to go to a coffee house and get a vendi with caramel and skim milk; they also have the luxury of going to the bar and getting any mixed drink their dieing livers desire. So then why can’t others go out and hit up a brothel and get a prostitute? There are many people (male and female) who have no problem going to a bar and taking a person home hours after meeting them. Wouldn’t a brothel be safer were at least you have a greater chance of knowing that your partner isn’t carrying a disease. Legal prostitutes are tested often and have licenses for business. What about a Gentleman’s club? Is getting a lap dance from a naked woman in a private room really that much different than sealing the deal in a brothel. The only difference would be that it would most likely be cheaper to go to the brothel than the champagne room at your local Lace. If you are against prostitution because you think it is morally wrong, well it is… But it holds the same status as having premarital sex.
I think we should all ask ourselves... What would Eliot Spitzer do?
There is no evidence to support that legalization of prostitution would stop child prostitution and other heinous crimes against the underclass of society. Who could support a government that advocated the degradation of humanity by legalizing transactional, unsafe sexual encounters? In an age of political careers ending due to extramarital affairs (Jonathan Edwards, Eliot Spitzer), what government official would want to be a proponent of legalized prostitution? Looking beyond our borders, nations in Southwest Asia prohibit women from gaining educational opportunities and enjoying basic civil rights, legalizing prostitution only further limits the perception of the value that women contribute to society, it is unethical and unfair.
There is no such evidence that decriminalizing prostitution would help solve any of the problems that it may cause. In certain places such as the Netherlands and Australia where they have legalized prostitution, the same issues exist. All we would be doing is condoning pimps and madams which certainly is unethical and immoral. It would simply encourage women, and men for that matter, to stay uneducated and become dirty sex workers.
Prostitution is a common in all societies. Decriminalizing it would allow the goverment to make a profit. I believe that they should begin to require medical testing and provided areas for solicitating. There will never be full control over the issues. In the modern world you can find prositutes online on craigslist. It is a never ending flaw of society.
There are a lot of things that are "common" practices that are not moral or ethical (i.e. drug use, money laundering, polygamy - i know very random choices of practices) and should not be legalized or decriminalized because it happens often. A main argument regarding the decriminalization of prostitution is that the government will be able to regulate the industry and protect the women. This does not happen.
According to "Legalizing Prostitution Will Not Start the Harm," by Donna Hughes the industry is a form of slavery that will not be able to be regualated. I think the following portion from her article is very interesting and may give a new persepective to the industry.
"The sex trade is a form of contemporary slavery and all indications predict its growth and expansion into the 21st century.
Approximately three-fourths of the women who are recruited and trafficked are unaware that they are destined for strip clubs, brothels, or the street, where they are sold to eager male buyers. Most of the women are seeking to escape poverty, violence and lack of opportunities, but once they are under control of pimps or traffickers, they are "seasoned" into prostitution by physical and sexual violence and economic coercion."
http://www.uri.edu/artsci/wms/hughes/mhvlegal.htm
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