Arguments Aganist Legalization of Prostitution?

Question

For one of my classes i have to write paper on why prostitution should be illegal. However, since that is not my personal stance, it is sort of hard to get going. What are some arguments against it? So far i am thinking of the argument against the exploitation of women and dangers associated with it. I need one or two more good points to argue. What might some be?

Answer 1

Are you a law or philosophy student? Most people are too dim (eg. "merlins_new_apprentice") to understand that sometimes you have to argue _for_ something you disagree with; lawyers wrestle with that all the time.

The most common (and all false) arguments against prostitution I've heard are:

1) Increased STDs. When it's legal, more people - oops, JOHN's, ie men - will use prostitutes. (False - legalization means licensing and control, eg. mandatory condoms.)

2) It will increase criminal involvement: the mafia, gangs, etc. (False - it will reduce it. When brothels are legal, gangs cannot be involved and brothels have legal protection.)

3) It will create more prostitution and bring more women into it. (False - demand by the customers, near all of whom are male, will bring in more women because there is a market. If there are no Johns, there will be no prostitutes.)

4) It will bring teenagers into the sex trade. (False - if legislated, only adults could work legally, and any prostitutes not licensed could be immediately arrested. It would be easier to remove children from prostitution.)

5) It will destroy marriages by making it easier for married men to use prostitutes. (False - Johns being arrested for pandering ruins marriages; the illicit desires for prositutes or affairs isn't created by the women. That is the failing of philandering husbands.)

6) It will increase other criminal activity, eg. drug use. (False - licensed prostitutes could be screened for drugs and STDs; legal protection and control removes violent pimps and other criminals from the equation.)

I could think of others, but your five minutes of my time are up.


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Answer 2

Depending on how old you are I would suggest seeing if you can find Penn and Tellers "B*LLSH*T" show. They did a good piece about debunking all the negatives that people like to say there is. The reason why it is "Dangerous" is because it isn't regulated and men know that women can't go to the cops if they do something to the women. Another one would be the idea that women are "Forced" into it and if it were legal then there would be more women. Also the "demeaning" aspect... Also health aspects, increase of VDs and such. (all of the negative would go away if they actually DID legalize it because then the Government could REGULATE it)

Answer 3

If prostitution is legal, it gives a government stamp of approval, or at least withdraws societal disapproval, from it.

Let's say someone is on unemployment insurance, collects welfare, or applies for student financial aid. Should the government be able to tell her (or him!) that they don't qualify if they turn down lawful employment? I predicted this would happen, and it did, in Germany - a woman applying for unemployment was directed to apply for work at a brothel, where there was a vacancy (I almost said opening). "Work study" and "workfare" would take on a whole new meaning!

Even if there were exceptions in the law for this, the fact that something is legal in my mind does make it more acceptable. How many times have our parents said "why are you asking me for money when you could go out and work for what you want" when we asked for a car, education money, etc.? How many children (over 18) of poor parents would feel "obliged" to help? And if they refused to help, wouldn't many think they were being lazy of selfish, since money would be relatively easy to earn?

I'm not a fan of asking the government to save us from ourselves, but WE are the government and we do express our morals through laws. Some argued that antidiscrimination laws "infringed on the rights" of people to hire who they wanted or rent to who they wanted. But I think we decided, rightly, that limiting the bigot's freedom was the correct and MORAL thing to do.

It's also a statement about the value of people in society. I'd bet a high percentage of feminists would want to keep it illegal, even though it "restricts a woman's right to do as she pleases with her body."

Throw in something about health risks (maybe that's already in "dangers"), and you're done. Good luck.

PS If we legalized it and taxed it, the government would be paying US money!!! :)

Answer 4

First, virtually all case studies show that areas that allow prostitution openly, i.e. Reno and Vegas, have high instances of violent crime per capita.

Second, prostitution spreads desease

Third, regardless of what proponents argue, there is no way that the businesses can be regulated which leads to women becoming victims of their Johns.

Fourth, virtually all prostitutes suffer from low self esteem issues. These issues often lead to drug abuse.

Fifth, prostitution and pornography lead to sexual addiction and sexual abuse by most participators.

Sixth, it further justifies the demeaning of women by a number of men who feel thay are no more than merchandise.

Finally, its just nasty and your momma raised you better.

Answer 5

I'm for the legalisation, but I will try to help you out.

I suppose the big one for me is that it sends the message that prostitution is okay.

Answer 6

I don't have the same stance on that topic either, but consider what impact religion has had on prostitution, also.

Answer 7

You could argue that it is immoral to some groups, and can serve as a front for organized crime.

Answer 8

The spread of infectious diseases.

Answer 9

umm, hold on i'm thinking. Its coming to me. Nevermind i can't come up w/ anything.