I can't stand when politicians try to distract Americans from the real issues that need to address. They love making fuss over bullsh*t. The reality is that politicians are stealing taxpayer money and making alliances with disgusting corporate America, driving us further into a two-tiered rich-poor society where the rich trample over us like bugs. Look at Bush's friend, former Enron ex Ken Lay who destroyed Americans. Will you let politicians and corporate America distract us from the real issues?
On another note, we need to go after real crime like corporate crooks, murderers, and burglars. Prostitution (sex for money) between two consenting adults is no one's damn business but the private sex life of those involved. Besides, having a girlfriend/boyfriend is a sex for money relationship. It's scary imagining that there are people interested in knowing and regulating which adults are having sex with each other. Land of the free? My azz.
First, the essential priorities of the law, they are to create limitations and parameters to ensure that each citizen can live freely -- this includes freedom from bodily harm and the right to equal protection. Keeping this in mind, the four points I'd like to add into this discussion are as follows:
(1) The impact of legalizing prostitution. While individual narratives and personal opinions regarding sexual activity, being a prostitute, or interacting with a prostitute are helpful to color the discussion, opinions can change. Jenna Jamieson, a famous American porn star, denied the detrimental implications of pornography for most of her career. After time however, her feelings changed.
What we can assess that is real and tangible are the potential effects of legalizing prostitution on those within the profession, on consumers of such services, on other related industries, on the economy, on global markets, and on American and global societies as a whole. Given even the list of implications that we can predict, do we really believe that prostitution on a whole is better of legalized? That allowing the minority of individuals who are able to safely pursue this profession outweighs the majority of women coerced and trafficked into the industry? Do we believe that individual workers will benefit more than the industry and male consumers? Do we believe that putting a price on a woman's body will have positive effects on the gender imbalance in America?
2) The closest parallel I can think of that highlights the exploitative effects and power differentials of such legalization, and also somewhat removes this issue from that of gender (which is integral: see point 3) is that of selling one's organs. It is illegal to sell one's organs in the United States, the reasons being: inappropriate commodification and exploitation of the human body, exploitation of the certain segments of social (poorer segments), the dangers involved, etc. Perhaps rather than comparing selling sex to selling cars, it might be more appropriate to compare selling sex --a part of oneself that is often incredibly personal and intimate, the core of your bodily integrity-- to other parts of yourself. Although, let's be honest-- having someone remove your tonsils is very different than being raped or sexually violated.
And while I do think that prostitutes and escorts are sincere when they say they enjoy their work, I think that could also be heard from an organ-seller. I believe it is the job of the government -within reason- to look at the larger implications on society and on culture to determine whether acts should be legal or not.
3) The point of gender. It is often hard for us to design policies where gender is a factor because most of our laws have been (and are) created by men and therefore often fail to accommodate the needs of traditionally unincorporated or disenfranchised groups (i.e. groups that originally did not have the right to vote, ethnic minorities, women, children). We are used to looking at laws and policies through this lens. Sexual harassment law did not come into play until the 1980s; before, there were no language or laws to adequately address such crimes. Inherent to relations between men and women (that are also within same-sex relations) are inequalities of power that we as a society have not yet overcome. Until these relations of power are equalized, there will always be a greater benefit for men and a massive loss for women when it comes to issues of prostitution. One in four women will be raped or the victims of rape in the United States (according to 1991 stats). One in four. Men (not all men, but many men) already believe that they can take sex from women; that they are entitled to sex. Many states currently do not believe in the existence of marital rape -- stating that husbands should have sexual access to their wives at whim. Do we believe that legalizing prostitution will not exacerbate this trend of gender-motivated crime, violation, and brutality? Moreover, rape and domestic violence have serious consequences for our society and for our economy. How many women have looked over their shoulder or been wary of being assaulted? If these occurrences increase, I can only imagine what our country would look like.
4) Again, I do believe that some prostitutes and escorts are sincere when they say they enjoy their work. But I do have to reiterate that many women consent to this profession because they are forced by pimps, because they do not have a choice or alternative opportunities, or because they have already been devalued or exploited to have a certain image of their worth. Additionally, most women do not have control over their sex work careers as women in the high-end escort service may. Perhaps a new way to pose this question -- sex work, like most work, is for money. If prostitutes did not receive any money for their work, would any exist? Or, if there was another occupation that raised the same amount per hour as sex work, which occupation do you think would be selected?
Only those first-hand experience of whoring have an opinion worth considering. Christianity still lays such a guilt trip on western culture, an impartial opinion is almost impossible to obtain. Girl-friend sex, one-night stand, even remunerated dating or escort agency supplied is absolutely fine. But "going with a prostitute" (nice euphemism) labels you a social pariah. But this alternative life style is far more common than you might suppose. Check out the number of men that make unaccompanied and frequent visits to Thailand as a hub of the region. "The bars are temples but the pearls ain't free. I feel the Devil walking next to me." “Asian bimbos stealing our men?” Come off it girls. They stopped being “your men” when you started rationing the home comforts.
I think it should be legalized. It's the only way to control it and keep the bad guys from treating the women like dirt. Geneva Nights is a great book for an American perspective on Europes red light districts.
Prostitution has been an accepted practice in many countries for years, dating back to the ancient Middle East, India, Greece and Rome. In fact the United States is one of the few countries who still have laws against prostitution. The rationality for it being illegal in the U.S. is that normally it is linked to organized crime and just crimes in general as well as the spread of sexually transmitted disease. However, if the practice were legalized, it could be taxed and regulated. Some counties have already came to the conclusion that prostitution is impossible to eliminate and so these societies have chosen to regulate it in ways that regulate to control sexually transmitted diseases, reduce sexual slavery, controlling where brothels may operate and dissociating prostitution from criminal activity. This would also save our government the time and money used to prosecute these people. Prostitution is already legalized in some counties of Nevada; the most popular of the licensed brothels in Nevada is the Mustang Ranch. Doctors came to the ranch regularly to do pelvic examines and check for sexually transmitted diseases. After the AIDS pandemic in the 1980’s customers were required to wear condoms. Security was also stationed to keep unwanted visitors out as well as panic buttons in every room to alert security if a woman felt threatened. As you can see the United States is very capable of producing a well regulated prostitution practice. So do I think it should be legalized? Although I will not participate in prostitution I find no reason why it should not be legalized.
Prostitution has been an accepted practice in many countries for years, dating back to the ancient Middle East, India, Greece and Rome. In fact the United States is one of the few countries who still have laws against prostitution. The rationality for it being illegal in the U.S. is that normally it is linked to organized crime and just crimes in general as well as the spread of sexually transmitted disease. However, if the practice were legalized, it could be taxed and regulated. Some counties have already came to the conclusion that prostitution is impossible to eliminate and so these societies have chosen to regulate it in ways that regulate to control sexually transmitted diseases, reduce sexual slavery, controlling where brothels may operate and dissociating prostitution from criminal activity. This would also save our government the time and money used to prosecute these people. Prostitution is already legalized in some counties of Nevada; the most popular of the licensed brothels in Nevada is the Mustang Ranch. Doctors came to the ranch regularly to do pelvic examines and check for sexually transmitted diseases. After the AIDS pandemic in the 1980’s customers were required to wear condoms. Security was also stationed to keep unwanted visitors out as well as panic buttons in every room to alert security if a woman felt threatened. As you can see the United States is very capable of producing a well regulated prostitution practice. So do I think it should be legalized? Although I will not participate in prostitution I find no reason why it should not be legalized.
Prostitution should be illegal, and all children and adults need to learn that it is not only immoral it is demeaning to the person who buys the sex, as well as the person who sells their body so another can get off.
Everyone should respect themselves enough to know that selling your body is not okay-whether it be for sex, or for someone to get off on torturing you sadistically. It's all the same.
If someone wants or needs sex, they need to go about it the correct way-by meeting someone and trying to connect to them mentally. It's not a product that should be on a shelf. It's a miracle that should be revered.
People in other countries are forced into this act-and would do anything to be able to lead a normal life. So why would Americans who have the chance for a good life choose to demean themselves-it's easy: pure laziness. They are too lazy to get a real job, and the people who buy the sex are too lazy and pathetic to find someone who WANTS to give it to them-not just sell it to them.
ALL OF YOU NEED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL-I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE ARE SO MANY SICK PERVERTS OUT THERE WHO THINK PROSTITUTION IS OKAY. MIGHT AS WELL START CONDONING RAPE AND CHILD PORN-WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
It should be legalized. Can't understand why a woman can kill an unborn child but can't have sex for money. As long as sex is a religious based tabu, there wouldn't be freedom.
Prostitution should be legal. I am 49 and single and if I could find a "papered safe" age appropriate man to spend some quality time with I would. I am a medial professional and single for 12 years. A safe consensual encounter would be worth it.
prostitution should be and must be legalise,rea-
sons:i am a single average looking male from india,i have no wife and girlfriend,what shall i do or where shall i go for sex.its tough,american girls does not like me,i tried no luck.sex is also
like hunger,we buy our food,i like to buy my sex.
sex brings life,all show on this planet is because
of sex its not dirty or taboo,its holy.in europe
prostitution is no problem,in america its a big problem.please grow up america.teach you children about sex,if you dont teach them who else will teach them.dont tell them sex is sin,like they did to me and destroy my youth,which i will never get back in this life.
prostitution should be and must be legalise,rea-
sons:i am a single average looking male from india,i have no wife and girlfriend,what shall i do or where shall i go for sex.its tough,american girls does not like me,i tried no luck.sex is also
like hunger,we buy our food,i like to buy my sex.
sex brings life,all show on this planet is because
of sex its not dirty or taboo,its holy.in europe
prostitution is no problem,in america its a big problem.please grow up america.teach you children about sex,if you dont teach them who else will teach them.dont tell them sex is sin,like they did to me and destroy my youth,which i will never get back in this life.
Prostitution should be legal everywhere. It happens all the time anyway. But it should be regulated to make it safer. Regulation would make it safer for those prostitutes who are selling their 'goods' in places that are illegal and provide them some legal protection from authorities when reporting crimes against themselves without fear of they themselves getting locked up for it.
I think that prostitution should be legal everywhere. just the simple fact that, that are those women body's and what they want to do with it has nothin to do with anyone else. so it should be legalize.
I agree with you, Ingrid. Many women who are technically "prostitutes" actually practice what might be more appropriately categorized as cash-and-carry polyandry. We have a limited and select client base.
We are not desperate. We are not druggies. We are not diseased. We are not ill-educated. We are not stupid.
What we are is totally independent of male control and dominance. We are financially independent. Often we are quite well to do, but while we charge a considerable sum for our services, we are not in quite the same financial league as lawyers--but then they give you the best screwing of all.
We provide a service that is always in demand, and greatly desired. We are like ice cream. Whenever we show up, people are happy.
Decriminalize prostitution. Allow us to have the same legal protections--and obligations--as every other self-employed person. But otherwise, leave us alone!
As an independent escort based in Canada, I would choose decriminalization instead of regulation.
Yes, continue combat trafficking and provide opportunities for low-income people to reduce street prostitution - but those of us who had education and choices, and chose to become escorts having full and complete control over our practices and clients should be left alone. There is a number of women out there who use escorting to help with tuition, supplement a career change, get out of debt or build savings. Internet enables us to act on out own without the need of intermediaries and have full and complete control over all aspects of our business. However, a lot of us do it on the side, having career or education aspirations in mind - do you really think that given social prejudices, we'd agree to be herded into brothels and have a stamp saying "prostitute" for the rest of our lives?
As far as STDs are concerned, if the streetwalking scene is taken out of equation, the rate of STDs are actually LOWER among escorts than in general population. I have seen several statistical sources citing this (don't have them handy right now, but will find and post later). Does a woman who sees 4 clients a month, everything covered with a condom, need to be mandatory tested every 2 weeks?
Regulation based on the system of legal brothels will destroy this so far small yet rapidly growing segment of women engaged in prostitution in the most healthy way possible. Yet I also fully agree that measures should be taken to improve the lives of those involved in prostitution for survival.
Why is your panel male-dominated? If you are so against prostitution why not make paying for sex a crime punishable by castration? Punish the men not the women.
Seems to me the legalized vices of gambling, alcohol, and tobacco can be and often are considerably more damaging to the mind and body than sex. Why does a human activity so natural and essential occupy so low a rung on the moral ladder?
No. I don't think it should be leagalized. Let's face it, it's basically for men with no morals, women having a hard time, and an std playground.
But if it is leagalized, it should have some ENFORCED rules.
If people enter it legally, thinking it is an easy job and not understanding the risks. Or men seeing a girl in more revealing clothes who is not a prostitute, the girls are going to get hurt.
And it just proves, no, encourages, our society to look at sex as something done between two strangers as playtime.
Prostitution is already effectively legal in the United States. Your multibillion-dollar hardcore pornography industry, in which vulnerable young people are paid to perform sexual acts at great risk to their lives so that corporate interests can rake in profits, is predicated on the state accepting that people be paid for sexual acts. If that isn't prostitution, I don't know what is. The hypocrisy of Americans on this issue knows no bounds. A drug-addicted streetwalker will quickly get rounded up and thrown in jail for plying her trade. But a wealthy corporate executive who rakes in huge profits from effectively pimping out such vulnerable young person -- that person is considered a respectable citizen and left alone. Another example of how the poor and vulnerable get criminalized while those doing the exploiting and making the money are pampered and coddled by the U.S. justice system.
Doing so will provide numerous benefits:
- regulation and control of health issues
- reduction of the criminal element now involved
- regular testing for STDs, making it safer for providers and clients
- provide an outlet which will probably reduce rape and possibly domestic abuse
- potentially reduce hidden infidelity by providing a socially sanctioned outlet for those tempted, especially in sexless marriages
- tax revenues to municipalities, states, and national governments
- subsidies to make it available to almost anyone who wants or needs it
What we have right now is illegal prositution with all of the underage prostitutes, pimps, drugs and disease that go with it. All of this does incalculable damage to our society. After over 80 yrs of illegality it is still just as rampant, if not more so, than it ever was.
When I was stationed in Germany it was legal there. The government licensed them, inspected them and required condom use and medical screening. The women were all safe, of legal age and in a clean working environment.
I won't make moral decisions about it because my morals are my own and I have no right to force other people to live by them. Based on purely which one causes more problems for society I would have to vote on legalizing it. I would never see a prostitute because I don't believe in it but I say let people do what they are going to do anyway and regulate it so it causes less problems for the rest of us.
"Do chefs provide a service? Yes. Is that service evil? Not inherently, no- food is not evil. Is that service useful to society? When it creates unrealistic expectations of experimentation and taste for those that solicit food services to the detriment of others, then no, because it creates damage. One example: a man is married, but has lunch often in a restaurant. The food experience he has is enjoyable. Following that, when he has dinner prepared by his wife he may expect that level of satisfaction. When she refuses to comply, or it can't be achieved through her, the relationship eventually suffers. Through no fault of the wife, she is the victim of his actions."
"More than that, the legalization of restaurants will inherently set back women's rights by making them have to consider how much they wish to debase themselves in the face of raised expectations of men that can obtain easy, interesting food."
Yeah, go on, read it again. :)
Suki Falconberg has had a dreadful life, and I understand what she's saying, but prostitution doesn't have to be like that.
Who am I to say? I am a prostitute, in the UK where my activities are legal. I work only via the internet, am not pimped or controlled by anyone, choose my own working hours and companions, and have never once been "raped" or sexually assaulted at "work". I was not maltreated as a child and went to university. I am not addicted to any illegal drugs - any more preconceptions I need to deal with?
I am not denying that street-workers are often vulnerable and abused girls and boys - but there are forms of non-exploitative prostitution, and this often seems to be ignored when laws about prostitution are being discussed.
Prostitution should be legalized and taxed - by both the income tax and a luxury sales tax. The revenue would help to reduce both the national and state government deficits.
Why should brothels be illegal? It seems to me brothels serve the purpose of getting prostitution off the street and into a more controllable environment for the sex worker. I don't have any stats on this, but in my experience many brothels are run by women, former prostitutes themselves, not by abusive male pimps.
I'm sure a lot of people in this country think only of street prostitution when they hear the word prostitution, and I can understand why they would be opposed to its legalization if that's their only experience with it. Who wants their street littered with used condoms? I don't think street prostitution would go way entirely if brothels were legal outside of Nevada, but I imagine it could cause it to decrease.
I think that prostitution should be legal, but the law should require all prostitutes to be self-employed, to submit to drug and STD tests a minimum of twice a year, and be over the age of 21. Pimping should be against the law, as well as brothels. Prostitutes should pay taxes the same as any independent contractor, and they should have legal rights to sue/prosecute for breach of contract.
I personally don't see why prostitution is illegal. If anything, it's putting the blame on those who have the least power to change the situation -- the prostitutes. Many prostitutes are controlled by pimps who kidnap them, blackmail them, provide them with drugs, and sexually assault them. If society wants to prevent prostition, we must impose lengthy jail sentences for pimps, as well as criminalizing the solicitation of sexual services. No one goes after the johns right now, and they're the ones who willingly trade money for sexual activity (including with minors), and therefore create a market in the first place.
"It's only legal in one state, and even then only in counties under a population of 100,000 where it was approved by a vote of the county."
I'm assuming this was a typo since it's not true. The Law in Nevada does leave it up to each individual County with a population under 400,000. There was only one county in Nevada at the time with a population over 400,000. Hence, everyone knew the exclusion was simply for Las Vegas. Most Vegas businessmen still oppose legalized prostitution in Nevada today not on moral grounds, but business ones. Vegas has tried very hard to put forth a family friendly face on it's activities and doesn't want the social stigma legalized prostitution carries with it.
Also, I must take issue with your example of the poor wife dumped by a happy husband. Happy husbands don't go running our to buy the services of a prostitute unless they want to be paying alimony for many years to come. Any married guy who is using the services of a hooker either has some type of special relationship set up with his wife or isn't long for the matrimonial world.
Finally, I'm glad you brought up the murder issue. Murder has been around since the beginning of recorded history and has been illegal in some form since the beginning. How is that like prostitution which has only been illegal for a hundred to a hundred and fifty years? The reason I used alcohol as an example was when it was prohibited the penalty for usage was a misdameanor. The same as prostitution.
As an ex-prostitute, I am adamantly opposed to legalizing prostitution. In countries where it has been tried (Germany, the Netherlands, Australia) trafficking has skyrocketed because legalizing makes it easier for men to procure, pimp, and buy bodies: it does nothing to protect the women. Similarly, in ‘legal’ Nevada brothels, many girls are trafficked in by their pimps, who take the money. Setting aside a space called ‘brothel’ where women are confined and gang raped on a daily basis promotes the notion that we women are there to serve men, the superior ones. Any situation that involves a buyer (usually male, the one with power) and a bought (usually female, destitute and disempowered) is rape and sexual slavery. The whole notion that men can buy bodies for their pleasure (ours does not matter) is degrading. It devalues our humanity and dignity and turns us into disposable bodies with one important part—the sex organ.
The physical and psychological misery resulting from prostitution is enormous. It is rape of the worst kind—serial, rape after rape after rape of the body. (Consider how hard it is for a girl to recover from just one rape: it is no wonder prostitutes suffer PTSD in excess of torture victims.) From my own time in it, I still have physical damage. The sex act felt like rape. No one considers the consequences to the girl’s body—how overuse means swollen, often bleeding genitals, pain in the bladder, bruises from how heavy men are. No one considers how disgusting it is to actually have sex with men you don’t know. The only way to survive is to numb out—this protects a small space inside where you are so vulnerable, you will die if someone touches this spot. The long-term damage to the soul simply cannot be put into words.
I invite anyone who would like to see prostitution legalized to lie down and be penetrated by strange men 10 or 20 times a night. Then maybe they won’t be so eager to espouse prostitution.
In fact, I would like to see every man who uses a prostitute penetrated as many time a night as she is. I think fewer men would buy bodies if men had to suffer this intolerable cruelty—rape, over and over again. Prostitution is rape disguised as a financial transaction. The sexual selfishness of the male keeps it going.
As an ex-prostitute, I am adamantly opposed to legalizing prostitution. In countries where it has been tried (Germany, the Netherlands, Australia) trafficking has skyrocketed because legalizing makes it easier for men to procure, pimp, and buy bodies: it does nothing to protect the women. Similarly, in ‘legal’ Nevada brothels, many girls are trafficked in by their pimps, who take the money. Setting aside a space called ‘brothel’ where women are confined and gang raped on a daily basis promotes the notion that we women are there to serve men, the superior ones. Any situation that involves a buyer (usually male, the one with power) and a bought (usually female, destitute and disempowered) is rape and sexual slavery. The whole notion that men can buy bodies for their pleasure (ours does not matter) is degrading. It devalues our humanity and dignity and turns us into disposable bodies with one important part—the sex organ.
Mr. Moubayed looks at this only from a very selfish male point of view. He does not consider the physical and psychological misery of prostitution. From my own time in it, I still have physical damage. The sex act felt like rape. No one considers the consequences to the girl’s body—how overuse means swollen, often bleeding genitals, pain in the bladder, bruises from how heavy men are. No one considers how disgusting it is to actually have sex with men you don’t know. The only way to survive is to numb out—this protects a small space inside where you are so vulnerable, you will die if someone touches this spot. The long-term damage to the soul simply cannot be put into words.
I would like to see Mr. Maoubeyed penetrated by strange men 10 or 20 times a night. Then maybe he won’t be so eager to espouse prostitution.
In fact, I would like to see every man who uses a prostitute penetrated as many time a night as she is. I think fewer men would buy bodies if men had to suffer this intolerable cruelty—rape, over and over again. Prostitution is rape disguised as a financial transaction. The sexual selfishness of the male keeps it going.
As an ex-prostitute, I am adamantly opposed to legalizing prostitution. In countries where it has been tried (Germany, the Netherlands, Australia) trafficking has skyrocketed because legalizing makes it easier for men to procure, pimp, and buy bodies: it does nothing to protect the women. Similarly, in ‘legal’ Nevada brothels, many girls are trafficked in by their pimps, who take the money. Setting aside a space called ‘brothel’ where women are confined and gang raped on a daily basis promotes the notion that we women are there to serve men, the superior ones. Any situation that involves a buyer (usually male, the one with power) and a bought (usually female, destitute and disempowered) is rape and sexual slavery. The whole notion that men can buy bodies for their pleasure (ours does not matter) is degrading. It devalues our humanity and dignity and turns us into disposable bodies with one important part—the sex organ.
The physical and psychological misery resulting from prostitution is enormous. It is rape of the worst kind—serial, rape after rape after rape of the body. (Consider how hard it is for a girl to recover from just one rape: it is no wonder prostitutes suffer PTSD in excess of torture victims.) From my own time in it, I still have physical damage. The sex act felt like rape. No one considers the consequences to the girl’s body—how overuse means swollen, often bleeding genitals, pain in the bladder, bruises from how heavy men are. No one considers how disgusting it is to actually have sex with men you don’t know. The only way to survive is to numb out—this protects a small space inside where you are so vulnerable, you will die if someone touches this spot. The long-term damage to the soul simply cannot be put into words.
I invite anyone who would like to see prostitution legalized to lie down and be penetrated by strange men 10 or 20 times a night. Then maybe they won’t be so eager to espouse prostitution.
In fact, I would like to see every man who uses a prostitute penetrated as many time a night as she is. I think fewer men would buy bodies if men had to suffer this intolerable cruelty—rape, over and over again. Prostitution is rape disguised as a financial transaction. The sexual selfishness of the male keeps it going.
My mother is Syrian-American, and she told me about prostitutes riding around in a horse-driven carriage in Aleppo every Sunday, their silk dresses low cut, showing the tops of their breasts to all the men. Then, the women went back to their home of prostitution, and the men came calling. The elegant ride around town was their way of advertising. So, I do find this post about prostitution in Syria to be quite interesting.
Being 65 year old male having no hair and a body shaped like a pear my chances of getting married again in this lifetime to a lady that mean ole father time has not done in. With the aid of chemistry I can still meet my wants? Not wanting to bar hop,waste my time on the internet meeting up with someone who just wants to hold hands walk around and look at the moon and stars? Reduce my standard of living? I am somewhat left out? Having worked for a large Military contractor and been a regular at the Neveda hangouts I found them clean neat organized. You ain't gonna catch anything and you can pick your entertaiment from a line up. Why should I be penelized for being old and ugly? A few minutes with a legal professional is much more entertaining.
Yes. If I can sell a massage and perform the way I want, I should be able to promote, advertise and have sex...
If its my body, I should tell you if its wrong. Not the president or the mayors.
Once upon a time prostitution was swept underneath a rug, until the profits showed prosperity, hair stylists make untaxed money- and soon, that will be illegal, just because the government isnt getting a cut.
TRUTH IS>>>
the government shouldn't focus on controlling women.
Yes, and in some respects it still is going through prohibition. "Hard" drugs are still prohibited. We now have new reasons for alcohol prohibition. Alcohol was prohibited for moral reasons, then repealed. Now the drinking age is higher to protect people at high-risk of driving under the influence. Beer alcohol content is regulated to 3.2%.
There is merit to the statement that U.S. citizens 18 years or older should be allowed to consume alcohol. But the citizens of the U.S. have said it is better for them to prevent young adults from drinking to reduce the impact of their behavior.
"We all prostitute ourselves."
Yes, anyone with a wage or salary is prostituting themselves. The difference in sexual vs. non-sexual prostitution is in the benefit that they provide society as a whole for that wage or salary.
"Prostitution has existed since the beginning of recorded time."
That's like saying the sky is blue. It's only relevant in that it involves the topic, but is not prurient to the discussion. Murder has also existed since the beginning of recorded time. It involves two people, one doesn't always have to be a victim, and was acceptable in some societies as a form of sacrifice. That prostitution has always existed doesn't make it right today. Perhaps we should also return to an age of assassin's guilds, so that only certain people are free to practice their craft, regulated by the government?
What the pro-prostitution advocates are really pushing for is moral relativity. Simply put, if something is not bad for an individual, then logically it's not bad for society. Your wrong is my right. Who's to say what is right and wrong? etc.
Do prostitutes provide a service? Yes. Is that service evil? Not inherently, no- sex is not evil. Is that service useful to society? When it creates unrealistic expectations of permissiveness and behavior for those that solicit sexual services to the detriment of others, then no, because it creates damage. One example: a man is married, but has sex often with a prostitute. The sexual experience he has is enjoyable. Following that, when he has sex with his wife he may expect that level of satisfaction. When she refuses to comply, or it can't be achieved through her, the relationship eventually suffers. Through no fault of the wife, she is the victim of his actions.
"But that's not what this is about at all," you say. "It's about two consenting adults freely exchanging sex and money to each other's benefit. It is better that we should regulate the activity so as to protect those that are legitimate."
But it is not legitimate according to the laws and citizens of the United States. It's only legal in one state, and even then only in counties under a population of 100,000 where it was approved by a vote of the county.
People will be hurt and exploited. More than that, the legalization of prostitution will inherently set back women's rights by making them have to consider how much they wish to debase themselves in the face of raised expectations of men that can obtain easy sex.
I will not focus on those prostitutes that are willing to act responsibly and just want a normal life, because they are not the reasons the law exist.
The laws do not exist to eradicate prostitution. A simple review of thousands of years of law enforcement will verify the effacacy of reducing the activity.
The law exists to control and protect our citizens from the many ignored, hard to quantify, potential legal hazards (failing to provide services, disease propagation, social degradation, increased difficulty in punishing those that abuse other humans) that result from widespread sexual activity. Much like with alcohol laws that keep the drinking age 21 seems over the top to me as compared to the rest of the world, it exists for the benefit of our society by reducing the risk of potentially dangerous behavior.
We have all missed the big point, where the real action is these days: the internet.
Sex is surely the number one google search. How many sex sites are out there? How many people provide sexual services over the internet? How many people view and PAY for those services?
Now, how do we describe those "barely legal teens" or those "mature housewives" showing everything on your screen? Are they "hookers" or "call girls" or "scorts"? I would say they are all prostitutes in some way or another: they provide sexual services; they get paid.
Internet sex is here to stay, no matter how legal or illegal it is.
"Those that are arguing for "legal prostitution" in this thread ignore those that don't want to be prostitutes, but can't stand up for themselves."
Ah, if life and social issues were so easy.
This country went through prohibition. Alcohol was illegal and there was a large flourishing black market. It was made legal and while there has been a poliferation of legal bars and liquor stores around the country moonshiner's still exist to this day. Legalizing or de-criminalizing something doesn't do away with a 100% of the bad element. The same pattern would likely fit de-criminalizing prostitution. It would certainly clean it up, but it wouldn't make it perfect.
Prostitution has existed since the beginning of recorded time. Whether it is the world's oldest profession I have no way of telling, but if it isn't it's real close. Making prostitution illegal as we've done in most of this country hasn't stopped or even really slowed down the profession. I can walk into any casino in Atlantic City on any given night and run into a dozen "working women" at the bar. Whether we like it or not that's a fact of our society. We have everything from common street hookers to high class call women in this society. We've made millions of women criminals for plying their trade. For what? It's surely not the minority that are being forced to practice this trade against their will. We already have laws on the books that are much harsher then the prostitution laws to deal with this issue.
No, all of those opposed to de-criminalizing prostitution in this thread have made blanket statements about how seedy and exploitive the profession is. While it certainly is true a portion of the trade is currently that way look real hard at industrialized countries that have legalized prostitution and you'll get an idea of what it would be like in this country. Watch the HBO series "CatHouse." Read the Happy Hooker. Like anything else in life prostitution has it good points and it's bad points, but making it (or keeping it) a crime seems a little over the top to me.
Let's leave the whole 'legislating morality' out of it for a second (ignoring the prime reason why prostitution is illegal).
Do you think that all prostitutes are willing, and that they barter sex because of free will? More the point, do you think that bad pimps will go away if prostitution is legalized?
It doesn't matter if it's regulated or not, people will look to use sex as an instrument of control- and if it's legal, the recourse of the victim becomes nearly impossible. How hard is it for any rape victim to come forward and stand? And you say they took money?
The black market for sex won't go away whether sex is legal or not. Making prostitution illegal isn't for those that have the sex, although enabling of sex addiction is destructive in it's own right on society by allowing unrealistic expectations of what a sexual partner will permit to grow in those that solicit. The reason it is illegal is to prevent the blatant, often abusive, always exploitative nature of those that profit from the activity. It's rarely the prostitutes.
Those that are arguing for "legal prostitution" in this thread ignore those that don't want to be prostitutes, but can't stand up for themselves.
That is why it is illegal and should remain illegal.
The comments i am making is not on moral or ethical values but purely dealing it as a profession or buissness.
We know the each industry has a regulating authority. for example a neuclear or coal fire plant can not be allowed to installl at a centre of a residential society.
All retailers choose a place where they can sell the product easily and of course they have a projection of expected list of clients avilable in the market. for example a porche or rolex show room will not find a place in a village.
Same argument is valid for the oldest profession.
this is the reason that the biggest market of human temporary love is avilable near big sea ports or tourist attractions and the biggest customers are sailors or tourist .
the reason is simple that the visitors landing in a new country having no contact with the family for months look for an alternate for few hours. but in a family residential area where most houses having couples raising the children will find no place for a shop where women is ready to sell herslf.
And if one individual is just interested to shop anyway they he should drive for few minutes to find its commodity.
I don't think there is a single reason or a single set of reasons groups of people do anything. I'm sure a number of prostitutes suffer from a lack of self respect. I'm sure a number of lawyers do as well.
Since for the most part prostitution is illegal in this country I think you'd be hard pressed to find large numbers of them singing the praises of their chosen profession. You don't see to many drug dealers or moonshiners telling Americans what a noble profession they've chosen either. However, if it were legalized I'd dare say that would change. Yeah, I know Heidi Fleisch and Xavier Hollander (sp) made quite a splash in our society. Fleisch I believe ended up behind bars for a short while for running a
Readers’ Responses to Our Question (121)
I can't stand when politicians try to distract Americans from the real issues that need to address. They love making fuss over bullsh*t. The reality is that politicians are stealing taxpayer money and making alliances with disgusting corporate America, driving us further into a two-tiered rich-poor society where the rich trample over us like bugs. Look at Bush's friend, former Enron ex Ken Lay who destroyed Americans. Will you let politicians and corporate America distract us from the real issues?
On another note, we need to go after real crime like corporate crooks, murderers, and burglars. Prostitution (sex for money) between two consenting adults is no one's damn business but the private sex life of those involved. Besides, having a girlfriend/boyfriend is a sex for money relationship. It's scary imagining that there are people interested in knowing and regulating which adults are having sex with each other. Land of the free? My azz.
March 31, 2008 5:15 PM | Report Offensive Comments
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December 12, 2007 8:02 PM | Report Offensive Comments
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December 12, 2007 5:27 PM | Report Offensive Comments
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September 26, 2007 2:03 PM | Report Offensive Comments
First, the essential priorities of the law, they are to create limitations and parameters to ensure that each citizen can live freely -- this includes freedom from bodily harm and the right to equal protection. Keeping this in mind, the four points I'd like to add into this discussion are as follows:
(1) The impact of legalizing prostitution. While individual narratives and personal opinions regarding sexual activity, being a prostitute, or interacting with a prostitute are helpful to color the discussion, opinions can change. Jenna Jamieson, a famous American porn star, denied the detrimental implications of pornography for most of her career. After time however, her feelings changed.
What we can assess that is real and tangible are the potential effects of legalizing prostitution on those within the profession, on consumers of such services, on other related industries, on the economy, on global markets, and on American and global societies as a whole. Given even the list of implications that we can predict, do we really believe that prostitution on a whole is better of legalized? That allowing the minority of individuals who are able to safely pursue this profession outweighs the majority of women coerced and trafficked into the industry? Do we believe that individual workers will benefit more than the industry and male consumers? Do we believe that putting a price on a woman's body will have positive effects on the gender imbalance in America?
2) The closest parallel I can think of that highlights the exploitative effects and power differentials of such legalization, and also somewhat removes this issue from that of gender (which is integral: see point 3) is that of selling one's organs. It is illegal to sell one's organs in the United States, the reasons being: inappropriate commodification and exploitation of the human body, exploitation of the certain segments of social (poorer segments), the dangers involved, etc. Perhaps rather than comparing selling sex to selling cars, it might be more appropriate to compare selling sex --a part of oneself that is often incredibly personal and intimate, the core of your bodily integrity-- to other parts of yourself. Although, let's be honest-- having someone remove your tonsils is very different than being raped or sexually violated.
And while I do think that prostitutes and escorts are sincere when they say they enjoy their work, I think that could also be heard from an organ-seller. I believe it is the job of the government -within reason- to look at the larger implications on society and on culture to determine whether acts should be legal or not.
3) The point of gender. It is often hard for us to design policies where gender is a factor because most of our laws have been (and are) created by men and therefore often fail to accommodate the needs of traditionally unincorporated or disenfranchised groups (i.e. groups that originally did not have the right to vote, ethnic minorities, women, children). We are used to looking at laws and policies through this lens. Sexual harassment law did not come into play until the 1980s; before, there were no language or laws to adequately address such crimes. Inherent to relations between men and women (that are also within same-sex relations) are inequalities of power that we as a society have not yet overcome. Until these relations of power are equalized, there will always be a greater benefit for men and a massive loss for women when it comes to issues of prostitution. One in four women will be raped or the victims of rape in the United States (according to 1991 stats). One in four. Men (not all men, but many men) already believe that they can take sex from women; that they are entitled to sex. Many states currently do not believe in the existence of marital rape -- stating that husbands should have sexual access to their wives at whim. Do we believe that legalizing prostitution will not exacerbate this trend of gender-motivated crime, violation, and brutality? Moreover, rape and domestic violence have serious consequences for our society and for our economy. How many women have looked over their shoulder or been wary of being assaulted? If these occurrences increase, I can only imagine what our country would look like.
4) Again, I do believe that some prostitutes and escorts are sincere when they say they enjoy their work. But I do have to reiterate that many women consent to this profession because they are forced by pimps, because they do not have a choice or alternative opportunities, or because they have already been devalued or exploited to have a certain image of their worth. Additionally, most women do not have control over their sex work careers as women in the high-end escort service may. Perhaps a new way to pose this question -- sex work, like most work, is for money. If prostitutes did not receive any money for their work, would any exist? Or, if there was another occupation that raised the same amount per hour as sex work, which occupation do you think would be selected?
August 2, 2007 2:21 PM | Report Offensive Comments
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August 2, 2007 9:18 AM | Report Offensive Comments
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August 2, 2007 9:10 AM | Report Offensive Comments
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August 2, 2007 9:08 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Should Prostitution be Legal? Here is a poll: http://www.apopularitycontest.com/display_poll.php?ID=5351
July 9, 2007 12:15 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Only those first-hand experience of whoring have an opinion worth considering. Christianity still lays such a guilt trip on western culture, an impartial opinion is almost impossible to obtain. Girl-friend sex, one-night stand, even remunerated dating or escort agency supplied is absolutely fine. But "going with a prostitute" (nice euphemism) labels you a social pariah. But this alternative life style is far more common than you might suppose. Check out the number of men that make unaccompanied and frequent visits to Thailand as a hub of the region. "The bars are temples but the pearls ain't free. I feel the Devil walking next to me." “Asian bimbos stealing our men?” Come off it girls. They stopped being “your men” when you started rationing the home comforts.
July 7, 2007 10:01 PM | Report Offensive Comments
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April 21, 2007 9:37 AM | Report Offensive Comments
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April 20, 2007 11:08 PM | Report Offensive Comments
It already is legal. Go read the Post's series on Gerald Cassidy, Citizen K Street.
April 6, 2007 7:04 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Prostitution should be legal between consenting adults.
April 6, 2007 6:27 PM | Report Offensive Comments
I think it should be legalized. It's the only way to control it and keep the bad guys from treating the women like dirt. Geneva Nights is a great book for an American perspective on Europes red light districts.
April 5, 2007 10:32 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Prostitution has been an accepted practice in many countries for years, dating back to the ancient Middle East, India, Greece and Rome. In fact the United States is one of the few countries who still have laws against prostitution. The rationality for it being illegal in the U.S. is that normally it is linked to organized crime and just crimes in general as well as the spread of sexually transmitted disease. However, if the practice were legalized, it could be taxed and regulated. Some counties have already came to the conclusion that prostitution is impossible to eliminate and so these societies have chosen to regulate it in ways that regulate to control sexually transmitted diseases, reduce sexual slavery, controlling where brothels may operate and dissociating prostitution from criminal activity. This would also save our government the time and money used to prosecute these people. Prostitution is already legalized in some counties of Nevada; the most popular of the licensed brothels in Nevada is the Mustang Ranch. Doctors came to the ranch regularly to do pelvic examines and check for sexually transmitted diseases. After the AIDS pandemic in the 1980’s customers were required to wear condoms. Security was also stationed to keep unwanted visitors out as well as panic buttons in every room to alert security if a woman felt threatened. As you can see the United States is very capable of producing a well regulated prostitution practice. So do I think it should be legalized? Although I will not participate in prostitution I find no reason why it should not be legalized.
April 4, 2007 1:06 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Prostitution has been an accepted practice in many countries for years, dating back to the ancient Middle East, India, Greece and Rome. In fact the United States is one of the few countries who still have laws against prostitution. The rationality for it being illegal in the U.S. is that normally it is linked to organized crime and just crimes in general as well as the spread of sexually transmitted disease. However, if the practice were legalized, it could be taxed and regulated. Some counties have already came to the conclusion that prostitution is impossible to eliminate and so these societies have chosen to regulate it in ways that regulate to control sexually transmitted diseases, reduce sexual slavery, controlling where brothels may operate and dissociating prostitution from criminal activity. This would also save our government the time and money used to prosecute these people. Prostitution is already legalized in some counties of Nevada; the most popular of the licensed brothels in Nevada is the Mustang Ranch. Doctors came to the ranch regularly to do pelvic examines and check for sexually transmitted diseases. After the AIDS pandemic in the 1980’s customers were required to wear condoms. Security was also stationed to keep unwanted visitors out as well as panic buttons in every room to alert security if a woman felt threatened. As you can see the United States is very capable of producing a well regulated prostitution practice. So do I think it should be legalized? Although I will not participate in prostitution I find no reason why it should not be legalized.
April 4, 2007 1:05 PM | Report Offensive Comments
To the first poster, the difference is consent by two adults.
April 3, 2007 2:43 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Prostitution should be illegal, and all children and adults need to learn that it is not only immoral it is demeaning to the person who buys the sex, as well as the person who sells their body so another can get off.
Everyone should respect themselves enough to know that selling your body is not okay-whether it be for sex, or for someone to get off on torturing you sadistically. It's all the same.
If someone wants or needs sex, they need to go about it the correct way-by meeting someone and trying to connect to them mentally. It's not a product that should be on a shelf. It's a miracle that should be revered.
People in other countries are forced into this act-and would do anything to be able to lead a normal life. So why would Americans who have the chance for a good life choose to demean themselves-it's easy: pure laziness. They are too lazy to get a real job, and the people who buy the sex are too lazy and pathetic to find someone who WANTS to give it to them-not just sell it to them.
ALL OF YOU NEED TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL-I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE ARE SO MANY SICK PERVERTS OUT THERE WHO THINK PROSTITUTION IS OKAY. MIGHT AS WELL START CONDONING RAPE AND CHILD PORN-WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
April 2, 2007 4:42 PM | Report Offensive Comments
It should be legalized. Can't understand why a woman can kill an unborn child but can't have sex for money. As long as sex is a religious based tabu, there wouldn't be freedom.
April 2, 2007 12:53 PM | Report Offensive Comments
My name is Jim........... and I like to party.
March 27, 2007 5:12 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Prostitution should be legal. I am 49 and single and if I could find a "papered safe" age appropriate man to spend some quality time with I would. I am a medial professional and single for 12 years. A safe consensual encounter would be worth it.
March 23, 2007 7:29 PM | Report Offensive Comments
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March 17, 2007 1:11 AM | Report Offensive Comments
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March 17, 2007 1:11 AM | Report Offensive Comments
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March 15, 2007 8:29 PM | Report Offensive Comments
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March 15, 2007 8:29 PM | Report Offensive Comments
prostitution should be and must be legalise,rea-
sons:i am a single average looking male from india,i have no wife and girlfriend,what shall i do or where shall i go for sex.its tough,american girls does not like me,i tried no luck.sex is also
like hunger,we buy our food,i like to buy my sex.
sex brings life,all show on this planet is because
of sex its not dirty or taboo,its holy.in europe
prostitution is no problem,in america its a big problem.please grow up america.teach you children about sex,if you dont teach them who else will teach them.dont tell them sex is sin,like they did to me and destroy my youth,which i will never get back in this life.
March 14, 2007 4:30 PM | Report Offensive Comments
prostitution should be and must be legalise,rea-
sons:i am a single average looking male from india,i have no wife and girlfriend,what shall i do or where shall i go for sex.its tough,american girls does not like me,i tried no luck.sex is also
like hunger,we buy our food,i like to buy my sex.
sex brings life,all show on this planet is because
of sex its not dirty or taboo,its holy.in europe
prostitution is no problem,in america its a big problem.please grow up america.teach you children about sex,if you dont teach them who else will teach them.dont tell them sex is sin,like they did to me and destroy my youth,which i will never get back in this life.
March 14, 2007 4:25 PM | Report Offensive Comments
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March 7, 2007 7:57 AM | Report Offensive Comments
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March 7, 2007 7:57 AM | Report Offensive Comments
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March 7, 2007 7:55 AM | Report Offensive Comments
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March 7, 2007 7:55 AM | Report Offensive Comments
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March 2, 2007 8:55 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Prostitution should be legal everywhere. It happens all the time anyway. But it should be regulated to make it safer. Regulation would make it safer for those prostitutes who are selling their 'goods' in places that are illegal and provide them some legal protection from authorities when reporting crimes against themselves without fear of they themselves getting locked up for it.
February 22, 2007 4:40 PM | Report Offensive Comments
I think that prostitution should be legal everywhere. just the simple fact that, that are those women body's and what they want to do with it has nothin to do with anyone else. so it should be legalize.
February 22, 2007 3:36 PM | Report Offensive Comments
I agree with you, Ingrid. Many women who are technically "prostitutes" actually practice what might be more appropriately categorized as cash-and-carry polyandry. We have a limited and select client base.
We are not desperate. We are not druggies. We are not diseased. We are not ill-educated. We are not stupid.
What we are is totally independent of male control and dominance. We are financially independent. Often we are quite well to do, but while we charge a considerable sum for our services, we are not in quite the same financial league as lawyers--but then they give you the best screwing of all.
We provide a service that is always in demand, and greatly desired. We are like ice cream. Whenever we show up, people are happy.
Decriminalize prostitution. Allow us to have the same legal protections--and obligations--as every other self-employed person. But otherwise, leave us alone!
February 8, 2007 11:57 AM | Report Offensive Comments
As an independent escort based in Canada, I would choose decriminalization instead of regulation.
Yes, continue combat trafficking and provide opportunities for low-income people to reduce street prostitution - but those of us who had education and choices, and chose to become escorts having full and complete control over our practices and clients should be left alone. There is a number of women out there who use escorting to help with tuition, supplement a career change, get out of debt or build savings. Internet enables us to act on out own without the need of intermediaries and have full and complete control over all aspects of our business. However, a lot of us do it on the side, having career or education aspirations in mind - do you really think that given social prejudices, we'd agree to be herded into brothels and have a stamp saying "prostitute" for the rest of our lives?
As far as STDs are concerned, if the streetwalking scene is taken out of equation, the rate of STDs are actually LOWER among escorts than in general population. I have seen several statistical sources citing this (don't have them handy right now, but will find and post later). Does a woman who sees 4 clients a month, everything covered with a condom, need to be mandatory tested every 2 weeks?
Regulation based on the system of legal brothels will destroy this so far small yet rapidly growing segment of women engaged in prostitution in the most healthy way possible. Yet I also fully agree that measures should be taken to improve the lives of those involved in prostitution for survival.
February 8, 2007 10:38 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Why is your panel male-dominated? If you are so against prostitution why not make paying for sex a crime punishable by castration? Punish the men not the women.
February 7, 2007 5:10 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Seems to me the legalized vices of gambling, alcohol, and tobacco can be and often are considerably more damaging to the mind and body than sex. Why does a human activity so natural and essential occupy so low a rung on the moral ladder?
February 7, 2007 1:28 PM | Report Offensive Comments
No. I don't think it should be leagalized. Let's face it, it's basically for men with no morals, women having a hard time, and an std playground.
But if it is leagalized, it should have some ENFORCED rules.
If people enter it legally, thinking it is an easy job and not understanding the risks. Or men seeing a girl in more revealing clothes who is not a prostitute, the girls are going to get hurt.
And it just proves, no, encourages, our society to look at sex as something done between two strangers as playtime.
February 6, 2007 11:26 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Yes.
Decriminalize prostitution and put the power back into the hands of the people who do it rather than the pimps, cops, and rapists.
February 4, 2007 6:45 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Prostitution is already effectively legal in the United States. Your multibillion-dollar hardcore pornography industry, in which vulnerable young people are paid to perform sexual acts at great risk to their lives so that corporate interests can rake in profits, is predicated on the state accepting that people be paid for sexual acts. If that isn't prostitution, I don't know what is. The hypocrisy of Americans on this issue knows no bounds. A drug-addicted streetwalker will quickly get rounded up and thrown in jail for plying her trade. But a wealthy corporate executive who rakes in huge profits from effectively pimping out such vulnerable young person -- that person is considered a respectable citizen and left alone. Another example of how the poor and vulnerable get criminalized while those doing the exploiting and making the money are pampered and coddled by the U.S. justice system.
February 2, 2007 10:49 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Legalize it? Not good enough. SUBSIDIZE it!
Doing so will provide numerous benefits:
- regulation and control of health issues
- reduction of the criminal element now involved
- regular testing for STDs, making it safer for providers and clients
- provide an outlet which will probably reduce rape and possibly domestic abuse
- potentially reduce hidden infidelity by providing a socially sanctioned outlet for those tempted, especially in sexless marriages
- tax revenues to municipalities, states, and national governments
- subsidies to make it available to almost anyone who wants or needs it
February 1, 2007 1:14 PM | Report Offensive Comments
What we have right now is illegal prositution with all of the underage prostitutes, pimps, drugs and disease that go with it. All of this does incalculable damage to our society. After over 80 yrs of illegality it is still just as rampant, if not more so, than it ever was.
When I was stationed in Germany it was legal there. The government licensed them, inspected them and required condom use and medical screening. The women were all safe, of legal age and in a clean working environment.
I won't make moral decisions about it because my morals are my own and I have no right to force other people to live by them. Based on purely which one causes more problems for society I would have to vote on legalizing it. I would never see a prostitute because I don't believe in it but I say let people do what they are going to do anyway and regulate it so it causes less problems for the rest of us.
February 1, 2007 11:56 AM | Report Offensive Comments
"Do chefs provide a service? Yes. Is that service evil? Not inherently, no- food is not evil. Is that service useful to society? When it creates unrealistic expectations of experimentation and taste for those that solicit food services to the detriment of others, then no, because it creates damage. One example: a man is married, but has lunch often in a restaurant. The food experience he has is enjoyable. Following that, when he has dinner prepared by his wife he may expect that level of satisfaction. When she refuses to comply, or it can't be achieved through her, the relationship eventually suffers. Through no fault of the wife, she is the victim of his actions."
"More than that, the legalization of restaurants will inherently set back women's rights by making them have to consider how much they wish to debase themselves in the face of raised expectations of men that can obtain easy, interesting food."
Yeah, go on, read it again. :)
Suki Falconberg has had a dreadful life, and I understand what she's saying, but prostitution doesn't have to be like that.
Who am I to say? I am a prostitute, in the UK where my activities are legal. I work only via the internet, am not pimped or controlled by anyone, choose my own working hours and companions, and have never once been "raped" or sexually assaulted at "work". I was not maltreated as a child and went to university. I am not addicted to any illegal drugs - any more preconceptions I need to deal with?
I am not denying that street-workers are often vulnerable and abused girls and boys - but there are forms of non-exploitative prostitution, and this often seems to be ignored when laws about prostitution are being discussed.
January 31, 2007 9:58 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Prostitution should be legalized and taxed - by both the income tax and a luxury sales tax. The revenue would help to reduce both the national and state government deficits.
January 31, 2007 7:52 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Leigh:
Why should brothels be illegal? It seems to me brothels serve the purpose of getting prostitution off the street and into a more controllable environment for the sex worker. I don't have any stats on this, but in my experience many brothels are run by women, former prostitutes themselves, not by abusive male pimps.
I'm sure a lot of people in this country think only of street prostitution when they hear the word prostitution, and I can understand why they would be opposed to its legalization if that's their only experience with it. Who wants their street littered with used condoms? I don't think street prostitution would go way entirely if brothels were legal outside of Nevada, but I imagine it could cause it to decrease.
January 31, 2007 7:38 PM | Report Offensive Comments
I think that prostitution should be legal, but the law should require all prostitutes to be self-employed, to submit to drug and STD tests a minimum of twice a year, and be over the age of 21. Pimping should be against the law, as well as brothels. Prostitutes should pay taxes the same as any independent contractor, and they should have legal rights to sue/prosecute for breach of contract.
I personally don't see why prostitution is illegal. If anything, it's putting the blame on those who have the least power to change the situation -- the prostitutes. Many prostitutes are controlled by pimps who kidnap them, blackmail them, provide them with drugs, and sexually assault them. If society wants to prevent prostition, we must impose lengthy jail sentences for pimps, as well as criminalizing the solicitation of sexual services. No one goes after the johns right now, and they're the ones who willingly trade money for sexual activity (including with minors), and therefore create a market in the first place.
January 31, 2007 4:26 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Dani,
"It's only legal in one state, and even then only in counties under a population of 100,000 where it was approved by a vote of the county."
I'm assuming this was a typo since it's not true. The Law in Nevada does leave it up to each individual County with a population under 400,000. There was only one county in Nevada at the time with a population over 400,000. Hence, everyone knew the exclusion was simply for Las Vegas. Most Vegas businessmen still oppose legalized prostitution in Nevada today not on moral grounds, but business ones. Vegas has tried very hard to put forth a family friendly face on it's activities and doesn't want the social stigma legalized prostitution carries with it.
Also, I must take issue with your example of the poor wife dumped by a happy husband. Happy husbands don't go running our to buy the services of a prostitute unless they want to be paying alimony for many years to come. Any married guy who is using the services of a hooker either has some type of special relationship set up with his wife or isn't long for the matrimonial world.
Finally, I'm glad you brought up the murder issue. Murder has been around since the beginning of recorded history and has been illegal in some form since the beginning. How is that like prostitution which has only been illegal for a hundred to a hundred and fifty years? The reason I used alcohol as an example was when it was prohibited the penalty for usage was a misdameanor. The same as prostitution.
January 31, 2007 11:57 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Legalise prostitution, ban high interest rates on credit cards!
January 31, 2007 9:54 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Dear Dryice,
In fact, prostitutes don't control the business.
That said, I imagine it would be a horrific job regardless of who was in charge.
January 31, 2007 8:59 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Dear Ms. Suki Falconberg, what if the Prostitutes controlled the business? Did you ever see Sin City? Check it out, please. Respectfully, DryIce
January 31, 2007 7:50 AM | Report Offensive Comments
As an ex-prostitute, I am adamantly opposed to legalizing prostitution. In countries where it has been tried (Germany, the Netherlands, Australia) trafficking has skyrocketed because legalizing makes it easier for men to procure, pimp, and buy bodies: it does nothing to protect the women. Similarly, in ‘legal’ Nevada brothels, many girls are trafficked in by their pimps, who take the money. Setting aside a space called ‘brothel’ where women are confined and gang raped on a daily basis promotes the notion that we women are there to serve men, the superior ones. Any situation that involves a buyer (usually male, the one with power) and a bought (usually female, destitute and disempowered) is rape and sexual slavery. The whole notion that men can buy bodies for their pleasure (ours does not matter) is degrading. It devalues our humanity and dignity and turns us into disposable bodies with one important part—the sex organ.
The physical and psychological misery resulting from prostitution is enormous. It is rape of the worst kind—serial, rape after rape after rape of the body. (Consider how hard it is for a girl to recover from just one rape: it is no wonder prostitutes suffer PTSD in excess of torture victims.) From my own time in it, I still have physical damage. The sex act felt like rape. No one considers the consequences to the girl’s body—how overuse means swollen, often bleeding genitals, pain in the bladder, bruises from how heavy men are. No one considers how disgusting it is to actually have sex with men you don’t know. The only way to survive is to numb out—this protects a small space inside where you are so vulnerable, you will die if someone touches this spot. The long-term damage to the soul simply cannot be put into words.
I invite anyone who would like to see prostitution legalized to lie down and be penetrated by strange men 10 or 20 times a night. Then maybe they won’t be so eager to espouse prostitution.
In fact, I would like to see every man who uses a prostitute penetrated as many time a night as she is. I think fewer men would buy bodies if men had to suffer this intolerable cruelty—rape, over and over again. Prostitution is rape disguised as a financial transaction. The sexual selfishness of the male keeps it going.
January 31, 2007 12:16 AM | Report Offensive Comments
As an ex-prostitute, I am adamantly opposed to legalizing prostitution. In countries where it has been tried (Germany, the Netherlands, Australia) trafficking has skyrocketed because legalizing makes it easier for men to procure, pimp, and buy bodies: it does nothing to protect the women. Similarly, in ‘legal’ Nevada brothels, many girls are trafficked in by their pimps, who take the money. Setting aside a space called ‘brothel’ where women are confined and gang raped on a daily basis promotes the notion that we women are there to serve men, the superior ones. Any situation that involves a buyer (usually male, the one with power) and a bought (usually female, destitute and disempowered) is rape and sexual slavery. The whole notion that men can buy bodies for their pleasure (ours does not matter) is degrading. It devalues our humanity and dignity and turns us into disposable bodies with one important part—the sex organ.
Mr. Moubayed looks at this only from a very selfish male point of view. He does not consider the physical and psychological misery of prostitution. From my own time in it, I still have physical damage. The sex act felt like rape. No one considers the consequences to the girl’s body—how overuse means swollen, often bleeding genitals, pain in the bladder, bruises from how heavy men are. No one considers how disgusting it is to actually have sex with men you don’t know. The only way to survive is to numb out—this protects a small space inside where you are so vulnerable, you will die if someone touches this spot. The long-term damage to the soul simply cannot be put into words.
I would like to see Mr. Maoubeyed penetrated by strange men 10 or 20 times a night. Then maybe he won’t be so eager to espouse prostitution.
In fact, I would like to see every man who uses a prostitute penetrated as many time a night as she is. I think fewer men would buy bodies if men had to suffer this intolerable cruelty—rape, over and over again. Prostitution is rape disguised as a financial transaction. The sexual selfishness of the male keeps it going.
January 30, 2007 11:38 PM | Report Offensive Comments
As an ex-prostitute, I am adamantly opposed to legalizing prostitution. In countries where it has been tried (Germany, the Netherlands, Australia) trafficking has skyrocketed because legalizing makes it easier for men to procure, pimp, and buy bodies: it does nothing to protect the women. Similarly, in ‘legal’ Nevada brothels, many girls are trafficked in by their pimps, who take the money. Setting aside a space called ‘brothel’ where women are confined and gang raped on a daily basis promotes the notion that we women are there to serve men, the superior ones. Any situation that involves a buyer (usually male, the one with power) and a bought (usually female, destitute and disempowered) is rape and sexual slavery. The whole notion that men can buy bodies for their pleasure (ours does not matter) is degrading. It devalues our humanity and dignity and turns us into disposable bodies with one important part—the sex organ.
The physical and psychological misery resulting from prostitution is enormous. It is rape of the worst kind—serial, rape after rape after rape of the body. (Consider how hard it is for a girl to recover from just one rape: it is no wonder prostitutes suffer PTSD in excess of torture victims.) From my own time in it, I still have physical damage. The sex act felt like rape. No one considers the consequences to the girl’s body—how overuse means swollen, often bleeding genitals, pain in the bladder, bruises from how heavy men are. No one considers how disgusting it is to actually have sex with men you don’t know. The only way to survive is to numb out—this protects a small space inside where you are so vulnerable, you will die if someone touches this spot. The long-term damage to the soul simply cannot be put into words.
I invite anyone who would like to see prostitution legalized to lie down and be penetrated by strange men 10 or 20 times a night. Then maybe they won’t be so eager to espouse prostitution.
In fact, I would like to see every man who uses a prostitute penetrated as many time a night as she is. I think fewer men would buy bodies if men had to suffer this intolerable cruelty—rape, over and over again. Prostitution is rape disguised as a financial transaction. The sexual selfishness of the male keeps it going.
January 30, 2007 9:34 PM | Report Offensive Comments
My mother is Syrian-American, and she told me about prostitutes riding around in a horse-driven carriage in Aleppo every Sunday, their silk dresses low cut, showing the tops of their breasts to all the men. Then, the women went back to their home of prostitution, and the men came calling. The elegant ride around town was their way of advertising. So, I do find this post about prostitution in Syria to be quite interesting.
January 30, 2007 8:09 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Being 65 year old male having no hair and a body shaped like a pear my chances of getting married again in this lifetime to a lady that mean ole father time has not done in. With the aid of chemistry I can still meet my wants? Not wanting to bar hop,waste my time on the internet meeting up with someone who just wants to hold hands walk around and look at the moon and stars? Reduce my standard of living? I am somewhat left out? Having worked for a large Military contractor and been a regular at the Neveda hangouts I found them clean neat organized. You ain't gonna catch anything and you can pick your entertaiment from a line up. Why should I be penelized for being old and ugly? A few minutes with a legal professional is much more entertaining.
January 30, 2007 8:07 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Yes. If I can sell a massage and perform the way I want, I should be able to promote, advertise and have sex...
If its my body, I should tell you if its wrong. Not the president or the mayors.
Once upon a time prostitution was swept underneath a rug, until the profits showed prosperity, hair stylists make untaxed money- and soon, that will be illegal, just because the government isnt getting a cut.
TRUTH IS>>>
the government shouldn't focus on controlling women.
January 30, 2007 4:17 PM | Report Offensive Comments
"This country went through prohibition."
Yes, and in some respects it still is going through prohibition. "Hard" drugs are still prohibited. We now have new reasons for alcohol prohibition. Alcohol was prohibited for moral reasons, then repealed. Now the drinking age is higher to protect people at high-risk of driving under the influence. Beer alcohol content is regulated to 3.2%.
There is merit to the statement that U.S. citizens 18 years or older should be allowed to consume alcohol. But the citizens of the U.S. have said it is better for them to prevent young adults from drinking to reduce the impact of their behavior.
"We all prostitute ourselves."
Yes, anyone with a wage or salary is prostituting themselves. The difference in sexual vs. non-sexual prostitution is in the benefit that they provide society as a whole for that wage or salary.
"Prostitution has existed since the beginning of recorded time."
That's like saying the sky is blue. It's only relevant in that it involves the topic, but is not prurient to the discussion. Murder has also existed since the beginning of recorded time. It involves two people, one doesn't always have to be a victim, and was acceptable in some societies as a form of sacrifice. That prostitution has always existed doesn't make it right today. Perhaps we should also return to an age of assassin's guilds, so that only certain people are free to practice their craft, regulated by the government?
What the pro-prostitution advocates are really pushing for is moral relativity. Simply put, if something is not bad for an individual, then logically it's not bad for society. Your wrong is my right. Who's to say what is right and wrong? etc.
Do prostitutes provide a service? Yes. Is that service evil? Not inherently, no- sex is not evil. Is that service useful to society? When it creates unrealistic expectations of permissiveness and behavior for those that solicit sexual services to the detriment of others, then no, because it creates damage. One example: a man is married, but has sex often with a prostitute. The sexual experience he has is enjoyable. Following that, when he has sex with his wife he may expect that level of satisfaction. When she refuses to comply, or it can't be achieved through her, the relationship eventually suffers. Through no fault of the wife, she is the victim of his actions.
"But that's not what this is about at all," you say. "It's about two consenting adults freely exchanging sex and money to each other's benefit. It is better that we should regulate the activity so as to protect those that are legitimate."
But it is not legitimate according to the laws and citizens of the United States. It's only legal in one state, and even then only in counties under a population of 100,000 where it was approved by a vote of the county.
People will be hurt and exploited. More than that, the legalization of prostitution will inherently set back women's rights by making them have to consider how much they wish to debase themselves in the face of raised expectations of men that can obtain easy sex.
I will not focus on those prostitutes that are willing to act responsibly and just want a normal life, because they are not the reasons the law exist.
The laws do not exist to eradicate prostitution. A simple review of thousands of years of law enforcement will verify the effacacy of reducing the activity.
The law exists to control and protect our citizens from the many ignored, hard to quantify, potential legal hazards (failing to provide services, disease propagation, social degradation, increased difficulty in punishing those that abuse other humans) that result from widespread sexual activity. Much like with alcohol laws that keep the drinking age 21 seems over the top to me as compared to the rest of the world, it exists for the benefit of our society by reducing the risk of potentially dangerous behavior.
January 30, 2007 3:13 PM | Report Offensive Comments
We have all missed the big point, where the real action is these days: the internet.
Sex is surely the number one google search. How many sex sites are out there? How many people provide sexual services over the internet? How many people view and PAY for those services?
Now, how do we describe those "barely legal teens" or those "mature housewives" showing everything on your screen? Are they "hookers" or "call girls" or "scorts"? I would say they are all prostitutes in some way or another: they provide sexual services; they get paid.
Internet sex is here to stay, no matter how legal or illegal it is.
January 30, 2007 11:18 AM | Report Offensive Comments
"Those that are arguing for "legal prostitution" in this thread ignore those that don't want to be prostitutes, but can't stand up for themselves."
Ah, if life and social issues were so easy.
This country went through prohibition. Alcohol was illegal and there was a large flourishing black market. It was made legal and while there has been a poliferation of legal bars and liquor stores around the country moonshiner's still exist to this day. Legalizing or de-criminalizing something doesn't do away with a 100% of the bad element. The same pattern would likely fit de-criminalizing prostitution. It would certainly clean it up, but it wouldn't make it perfect.
Prostitution has existed since the beginning of recorded time. Whether it is the world's oldest profession I have no way of telling, but if it isn't it's real close. Making prostitution illegal as we've done in most of this country hasn't stopped or even really slowed down the profession. I can walk into any casino in Atlantic City on any given night and run into a dozen "working women" at the bar. Whether we like it or not that's a fact of our society. We have everything from common street hookers to high class call women in this society. We've made millions of women criminals for plying their trade. For what? It's surely not the minority that are being forced to practice this trade against their will. We already have laws on the books that are much harsher then the prostitution laws to deal with this issue.
No, all of those opposed to de-criminalizing prostitution in this thread have made blanket statements about how seedy and exploitive the profession is. While it certainly is true a portion of the trade is currently that way look real hard at industrialized countries that have legalized prostitution and you'll get an idea of what it would be like in this country. Watch the HBO series "CatHouse." Read the Happy Hooker. Like anything else in life prostitution has it good points and it's bad points, but making it (or keeping it) a crime seems a little over the top to me.
January 30, 2007 9:42 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Let's leave the whole 'legislating morality' out of it for a second (ignoring the prime reason why prostitution is illegal).
Do you think that all prostitutes are willing, and that they barter sex because of free will? More the point, do you think that bad pimps will go away if prostitution is legalized?
It doesn't matter if it's regulated or not, people will look to use sex as an instrument of control- and if it's legal, the recourse of the victim becomes nearly impossible. How hard is it for any rape victim to come forward and stand? And you say they took money?
The black market for sex won't go away whether sex is legal or not. Making prostitution illegal isn't for those that have the sex, although enabling of sex addiction is destructive in it's own right on society by allowing unrealistic expectations of what a sexual partner will permit to grow in those that solicit. The reason it is illegal is to prevent the blatant, often abusive, always exploitative nature of those that profit from the activity. It's rarely the prostitutes.
Those that are arguing for "legal prostitution" in this thread ignore those that don't want to be prostitutes, but can't stand up for themselves.
That is why it is illegal and should remain illegal.
January 29, 2007 9:59 PM | Report Offensive Comments
The comments i am making is not on moral or ethical values but purely dealing it as a profession or buissness.
We know the each industry has a regulating authority. for example a neuclear or coal fire plant can not be allowed to installl at a centre of a residential society.
All retailers choose a place where they can sell the product easily and of course they have a projection of expected list of clients avilable in the market. for example a porche or rolex show room will not find a place in a village.
Same argument is valid for the oldest profession.
this is the reason that the biggest market of human temporary love is avilable near big sea ports or tourist attractions and the biggest customers are sailors or tourist .
the reason is simple that the visitors landing in a new country having no contact with the family for months look for an alternate for few hours. but in a family residential area where most houses having couples raising the children will find no place for a shop where women is ready to sell herslf.
And if one individual is just interested to shop anyway they he should drive for few minutes to find its commodity.
January 29, 2007 7:46 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Tom,
I don't think there is a single reason or a single set of reasons groups of people do anything. I'm sure a number of prostitutes suffer from a lack of self respect. I'm sure a number of lawyers do as well.
Since for the most part prostitution is illegal in this country I think you'd be hard pressed to find large numbers of them singing the praises of their chosen profession. You don't see to many drug dealers or moonshiners telling Americans what a noble profession they've chosen either. However, if it were legalized I'd dare say that would change. Yeah, I know Heidi Fleisch and Xavier Hollander (sp) made quite a splash in our society. Fleisch I believe ended up behind bars for a short while for running a