Legalise the oldest profession?

Question

Is prostitution really unethical and wrong if the sex worker himself/herself willing wishes to offer such services? OK. I understand that the sex trade can (and no doubt does) lead to forced prostitution - and I find that 100% unacceptable, disgraceful and of couse unlawful. But if the industry were properly regulated with earnings declared and a government health check scheme initiated, and all sex workers worked in the profession of their own free will, surely there shouldn't be a problem...

Answer 1

If you can make sure that underage girls are not involved and there is enough protection to make sure that the women are not forced into it, then why not?

As someone who has never used a prostitute and has no intention to do so I think it would be a good idea. Think of all the extra taxes that could be raised!!!

Answer 2

Ah, well, you see the problem with prostitution is rooted in history and male social domination.

For example (and this is repackaged every once in a while) in the 18th Century prostitutes were seen as a BIG problem because:

A. the industrial revolution meant social positions weren't as 'fixed' as they were. The ruling classes were very worried about the working classes revolting (coz the French Rev had just happened) OR bettering themselves.....

The problem with prostitutes was that they could get in to all sections of society and get pregnant by a Lord, thus 'breeding out' good stock.

B. Britain's navy was far more developed than their army... and where could you find a prostitute? At the docks. Again, the concern was that they could spread disease (and arguable take out whole fleets of the navy!!)

As such they became part of the 'dangerous classes'.

Society still views them as dangerous because of the virgin/whore roles we create for women... and the whore, ovbiously, are seen as diseased and dirty with no morals and 'unladylike'

Until we relax about that female roles in society, we're not going to regulate this!

Answer 3

It's the same old cookie isn't it...

They have to be seen to be doing what is right in their eyes and not the peoples eyes who voted them in in the first place. They have confused the issue of a sexual relationship however shallow it may be with money and morals.

What about the person who has never had the opportunity of a relationship or even kissed another person because of some personal reason? Do you think that person would care about the money aspect? I think not... No matter how sensible we like to think we are when we think we have thought of everything there is always somebody that is left out of that reasoning. Having sex with a prostitute is not always just about sex, it can be for many different reasons and the desire to have physical contact can be one of them.

Answer 4

If all prostitutes are able to be based in a safe surrounding then why are the government so against it. If all women in a brothel were given health checks then street pickups would stop because though these blokes who crawl are desperate, surely they'd have common sense enough to go to a safe place which could be regulated (like restaurants) with surprise inspections etc.

Answer 5

It is legalised and regulated in many countries with cards
showing their regular check ups and signed by the doctors. Medical helper would be in line with the work
they do and the many benefits derived from their efforts
like relief of tension, frustration, and mental state of mind.
I must say it is cheaper that Doctor's fees so I am all for
legalising the world's oldest profession and changing the
name to medical helper which in fact is exactly what
they do best.

Answer 6

I agree with you. We are never going to get rid of prostitution. It's the oldest profession, after all.

The important thing is to regulate it. Turn it into a proper business, with tax, national insurance, health and safety regulations, and regular inspection of premises and health checks for sex workers.

Health checks should include drugs checks to ensure junkies aren't getting trapped into prostitution to feed their habit.

Ensure premises are licensed, situated away from residential areas, and appropriately policed.

That might stop my daughters getting stopped on the street by sleazeballs when they're on their way back from Uni to their flat.

If you're going to prosecute anyone, prosecute the creeps who go around kerb-crawling.

Answer 7

I think we have to lead by example as actions always speak louder than words. If our children see that prostitution is legal then they may think it is morally right which of course it is not. It is quite clear cut, Prostitution destroys the integrity of a decent society and corrupts every hand it touches. It is quite clearly wrong to legalise it.

Answer 8

good point- i used to do a debate case on this in high school- legalizing prostitution would help solve many problems (violence, disease, drug-abuse), since it would be heavily regulated. also, at the time that i studied it, illegal prostitution was a 14 billion dollar a year industry (probably a lot more, now)- if it were legalized and regulated, that figure would skyrocket.

Answer 9

Actually, I agree with you. If both parties find the agreement acceptable, I don't see the problem. Besides, if it was legalized and regulated, sex workers would have protection and wouldn't be subject to pimps and murderers. Plus, both the sex worker and the client would then have protection against STDs.

Answer 10

I cant see why not & I cant see why the government hasn't latched onto this as a scource of revenue. Could it be that because it would be more open to the public eye that MPs & other dignitaries would be seen coming & going from such premises.