Why is prostitution illegal? Isn't it pretty much a victimless crime?

Question

If a man or woman wants to sell their body, it is theirs to sell...so whats the problem?

Answer 1

I totally agree here. If someone is going to pay cash for 15-45 minutes for a ride on the neighborhood bicycle, why the hell not!

Dude, your a cop now? I get it... Shiit their on to me.

Answer 2

States can make anything illegal, as long as they have a "rationale basis" for the law. This is a very easy standard for states to make.

In the case of prostitution, the argument is that it is immoral behavior (and yes, states may regulate morality). In addition, the state can argue that it results in loitering (where prostitutes linger), depresses property value (where prostitution occurs), etc. In addition, there is a high STD rate among prostitutes.

It may well be that the more enlightened view would be to make prostitution legal and regulate it. This would allow (like in Nevada) the state to ensure that the prostitutes are clean and medically tested and (best of all), tax the services provided, under both the income tax and even a sales tax!

Thus, we lower the state's budget deficit, protect the population (prostitutes and their customers), as opposed to criminalizing the victimless crime.

Now, the enlightened view is probably better

Answer 3

I agree with your point - a person should be free to sell the use of their body if they choose to. Prostitution is illegal (now) because there are too many do-gooders who have very narrow minds.
If it were legal and regulated (because of the health aspects) it would move it out of the hands of the criminals who control most of it.
In the UK a woman can work as a prostitute providing that she works alone (which leaves her open to abuse from clients) and does not openly advertise her services. Two or more women together are 'running a brothel' - illegal. If she has a minder, he is 'living on immoral earnings' - illegal.
The cards are stacked against women who want to work in this field and, unfortunately, the police can keep up a good arrest record by harassing them.
If prostitution were legal, then there would be no point in the criminal gangs forcing women to work for them. We have a big problem here with young women from Eastern Europe being brought into the UK (and other Western European countries) ostensibly to work in good jobs and being forced into prostitution when they get here.
Sorry to go on about this, but I have very strong feelings on this issue.

Answer 4

Everything that we can do does not equate to it is all right to do it.
In Hawaii there are no snakes at all. I could bring a couple of snakes. by boat from Africa and let them lose on the isle. Should I be controlled, by law, about doing this?

It is not a victimless crime, in too many ways society pays a terrible price for the mindset of those who perpetuate prostitution.

Male and females are sold in to SEX slavery, against their will be cause so many, loser males, will pay to use other people even if it is against their will and they know that the circumstances are criminal!

Would you encourage your daughters to be prostitutes if they wanted to!

Actually, it is universally practiced, also, it is universally hidden, and universally it is socially outlawed. The only reason that it is kept alive is because males want to get into the female with or without her consent.

They degrade the female, refuse her education, lock her up,
publicly undress her in near nothing clothing, attempt to control child birth, pay, cheat, lie, bribe do what ever, no action or behavior is sacred, to be able to put his penis into a female at his will!

Kidnapping, murder, threats against livelihood, pimped, what ever and you stupidly write, "Victimless Crime"?

I wonder if you can get just .5% of all the females around the world to agree with your statement?

Answer 5

From a moral, nonreligious point of view, there should be no problem.

If you are religious, then there is a problem, because most monotheistic religions are against prostitution(sometimes they have a point and some times they do not)

It should be legal only if the client is not married or if he has permission from his wife( maybe she hates having s*x with him because he has bad breath)

Nevada and Holland have a success story with legalized prostitution and there almost zero incidence of STD due to the forced use of condoms. (it is documented in a book called "Brothel: Mustang Ranch and Its Women")

Answer 6

Prostitution is illegal because the Penal Law provides that a person who sells herself/himself for sex is punishable.

Answer 7

It is illegal because the government can't figure out a way to tax it and make their money on it. Believe me, that is the main reason. The other reason is the religious right and left who are against sex in any way, shape or form.

Answer 8

There is no problem, just uptight self righteous hypocrites. And these are most likely the child molesters of the world.

Why is it legal to service my car and not legal to service me? I know that's sarcastic, however, Ladies of the evening have been around since day one, and will be there until the end.

Answer 9

Victimless crime, huh?

Children from all over the globe are kidnapped from their homes and basically used as sex slaves.

But, you are right, kids are never victims, especially where depraved sex perverts are concerned.

Answer 10

amsterdam seems to have done alright legalizing it... i think it is sort of sad, but if someone wants to pursue it i see no reason they shouldn't.

most of the problems we associate with prostitution seem to be unrelated to the "money for sex" idea... people mention that desperate women are taken advantage of, but my question is why are they desperate and who is taking advantage of them if they are allowed to choose to go into it and don't require a pimp? in amsterdam they get tested for diseases and have to carry a license. they can call the cops if one of their clients gets rough. in our culture where it is illegal, then yes, the prostitutes are generally women who are totally out of options. i think it is sadder that we throw them in jail on top of it.