Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
Legalization of Prostitution
Prostitutes are people of multiple backgrounds and of either gender who make the decision to participate in sex acts for profit in a business–like setting. I support the legalization of prostitution because I believe that legalized prostitution will be a benefit of society. Once legalized, prostitution can provide many benefits to the participants of the business. Prostitution can provide a benefit of the economy in most places, and provide safe business practices and environments for the business to take place. Overall, legalized prostitution can lead to a benefit of society as a whole.
Prostitution Defined
As a part of the legalization and support for prostitution, we need to clearly identify the definition of prostitution. The act of prostitution is defined as the willing participation in the use of sexual acts in exchange for compensation whether it was money or any other means of value gained from the use of the body of sexual pleasure. Prostitution is considered the world's oldest profession that has been secretly practiced for centuries. Prostitution is not biased to gender or sexual orientation in any class. Prostitution is a multi–billion dollar industry that is very alive and visible according to law enforcement reports and arrest. Experts have determined that approximately 2 million prostitutes currently participate in the illegal sex industry for profit. Unfortunately, in the current state of illegal prostitution, people who
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines prostitution as "The practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity for payment". The argument over whether prostitution should be legalized has been around for many decades. With the exception of 11 rural counties in Nevada, prostitution is illegal within the United States. However, that may soon change, as more and more countries around the world consider the possibility of legalizing or decriminalizing prostitution. Despite there being an abundance of arguments both in favor and against legal prostitution, there are much more significant issues we should be debating. Such as what can be done to combat forced prostitution and sex trafficking. Lines are easily burred when it comes down to legitimizing prostitution. How do you separate the victims from those who by their own free will entered into prostitution? Regardless of whether prostitution is legal or illegal, more options need to be made available in terms of educating and supporting victims of forced prostitution and trafficking, along with stricter government accountability when it comes to not only passing laws but also enforcing them.
Regarding the debate over prostitution, there are quite a few arguments made towards the opposite side, yet neither seem to ever be able to sway to vote in their favor. That is because, despite what many may think, this debate is hardly ever truly about who's argument is the most relevant, or provides the most facts. It ultimately comes
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
Caitland Clay
Professor Petretto
English 111
15 Nov. 2016
Should Prostitution be Legalized?
Prostitution has been and may always be one of the most controversial topics in the United States. While there are some who argue that prostitution should be legalized, others do not agree with this theory. Some advocates argue that prostitution is a victimless crime and that it should be a decision that one chooses on his or her own. They also believe that the legalization of prostitution will minimize crime, increase tax revenue, and potentially improve public health. However, I refute such arguments. Prostitution should be not be legalized because it would not only encourage but increase human trafficking, increase the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and advertise a false perception of an immoral activity upon children.
Prostitution is one of the very few professions that have stood throughout thousands and thousands of generations. Some places have accepted it, and others forbade it, but prostitution has always been present and discussed. The business or practice of prostitution consists of men or women engaging in sexual relations in exchange for some form of wage, usually currency. There are those who have willingly chosen prostitution to be an alternative way to make a living, and there are those who have been held against their own will to engage in such activities. Either way, this operation should not be accepted or condoned by any means necessary. Too many times
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
Prostitution is one of the largest controversial issue facing the United States. The definition of prostitution, according to Merriam–Webster's Dictionary, is the act or practice of engaging in sexual relations especially for the money. Prostitution has been constantly bashed by the media and is currently legal in only one state. In this state, only one county has banned prostitution. Why is it illegal? What is wrong with prostitution that has made it illegal? These are the important questions that people have to answer before identifying and judging whether it should remain illegal. Prostitution is a social controversy based on moral values and the controversy is often times construed among moral values. Many people often feel that prostitution can be compared to pornography, and that is why it should be legalized. Prostitution should be legalized even if it is not morally right because prostitution is a matter of whether or not people's safety is in harm's way. Prostitution is safe when it is legalized. This is because government regulation is an influential part in the safety of the citizens.
Prostitution is currently illegal in 49 of the 50 states in the United States. Brothels, a place where men can visit prostitutes, are also illegal in 49 of 50 states. Many people only stereotype one side of the spectrum. On this side, they see prostitutes as people who are drug addicts or forced into it against their own will. There are two sides of the spectrum on prostitution,
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
A persuasive essay on if prostitution should be criminalized or decriminalized.
The involvement of Prostitution comes from engaging enrolling in sexual activities with a another person for payment. The world is a dangerous place, sex work is a dangerous profession and people today have a right to be safe from harm and threats. Thousands of women in the present day are involved in prostitution and abuse is an everyday terror for them; about 82% of reported people say that they have been physically assaulted since entering the field of sex work. (Farley and Howard par. 3). There are many different views on whether the act of prostitution should be legalized or not and the debate has been a major topic for many years. Some people believe that sex work should be legalized because it could decrease the overall act incidence of prostitution, decrease the rate of sexually transmitted diseases as well as decrease the exploitation that comes with it. Although, others believe that the legalization will increase some things such as violence, the crime rate, STD's, robbery and the risk of unwanted pregnancies. Prostitution should not be legalized because the rate of rape could easily increase, the rate of human trafficking could easily increase and the rate of STD's could easily increase.
One reason why sex work should not be legalized is because the legalization could easily increase the rate that women are getting raped. "For women who are prostitutes, rape is every bit as traumatic
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
Should prostitution be Legalized?
Whether or not prostitution should be legalized is, for some, a morally plagued question. The value society puts on sex can directly affect whether or not legalization will be considered. Even within Europe there is a drift. While France has banned prostitution it is legal in Germany, and has been since 2002. Is France morally outstanding, or is there something more to prostitution then what generally thought? The legalization of prostitution will affect many other social issues, understanding it is key.
Opposition is against prostitution stating that they, "Want gender equality and maximum protection of vulnerable individuals, especially children"("Legalizing"). Their firm belief is that prostitution and sex slavery, especially that of children, are one in the same. This proves to be alarmingly true when you take into account that 40% of prostitutes were forced into the business as children. They believe the sex business and sex trafficking are too intertwined to be separated, and thus the only way to stop trafficking is to outlaw prostitution. Legalized Prostitution would also make it extremely easy for sex traffickers to come into the country and lure children into the industry, selling them off as sex slaves.
Prostitution is also inherently dangerous. Among Transgender youth and homosexuals, prostitutes are most at risk of harmful STD's particular HIV/AIDS. A study done in Minneapolis Minnesota revealed that 15% of Prostitutes who
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
Should Prostitution be legalized? Prostitution is defined as the engaging in, or agreeing to engage in, sexual conduct for a fee. Women are pushed into entering prostitution for many reasons including lack of education, poverty, and personal choice. Prostitution is currently illegal, but there is much controversy surrounding this issue. Picture in your mind this scenario: Jane is a 26 year old single woman who makes her living working the streets as a prostitute. She is clean, and is tested regularly for diseases. Jane is standing on the street, dressed promiscuously. Within minutes she is picked up by John, a lonely single man looking for a quick fix. She rides with him to a nearby hotel and they engage in sexual activity. When they...show more content...
The strongest argument against prostitution is the immortality of the profession. Yes I said profession, because no matter how people see this act whether they think of it as a nasty, dirty way to disrespect your body it was still a job where these women made money. It has been spoken that there is no issue with a woman or a man being a stripper or how most like to call it a performer or exotic dancer, so why have such a major conflict with a prostitute. Even though a prostitute is performing sexual acts unlike a stripper both parties are still getting paid for doing something that they as an individual choose to do. So why make a big fuss about someone choosing to do what they want to with their own body. Take 23 year old crystal for example: growing up in a household that had barely any money and parents who stayed strung out on drugs. When crystal turned 18 she moved out and moved in with a boyfriend. She became a female dancer at a club called Dixie's. Her boyfriend had no idea that every night when she was supposed to go out with the girls that she was really out making money showing her body off to other men. The money that crystal was making becomes so good that she began doing favors for some wealthy business men who were regulars at the club. One favor became two; two became three until crystal was being sexually active with three of the men from her club.
By now
Prostitution Should be Legalized Essay
Prostitution Should be Legalized
I think that prostitution should be legalized because it is no different than any other service that we pay to receive. Besides, there are far more serious crimes that require the full attention of our police force than prostitution; therefore, policing it is a costly waste of time and police resources. Furthermore, prostitution is already legal in Singapore, Denmark, and a part of the United States as well. In this Essay, I will discuss these ideas; thereby, proving why prostitution should be legalized.
Prostitution should be legalized because it should be treated like any other consensual, in–demand, and legitimate service. A prostitute performs sexual acts in exchange for...show more content...
Clearly, Prostitution should be legalized because it is no different from other services; therefore, it should be treated like another legitimate service.
Prostitution should become legal in today's society because there are far more serious crimes than prostitution that require the full attention of our police force. It has to dispense its officers and resources in order to police prostitution; therefore, there are fewer cops to deal with more serious crimes like murders, theft, and other violent crimes. This careless distribution of police officers can have bad effects on people in need. For example, a team of twelve officers patrolling, the streets of New York City, for signs of prostitution would hinder its precinct's chances of apprehending a fleeing suspect from the scene of a murder. Therefore, prostitution must be legalized because cops have more serious crimes to police than two adults having consensual sex.
Another reason prostitution should become legal is it has already been legalized in Singapore, Denmark, and a part of the United States. In parts of these countries, there are no laws prohibiting prostitutes from selling sexual favors to any one who solicits them. The acceptance of prostitution in these select countries is a good example for others to follow. For example, it is legal for a prostitute to provide her services openly to customers who solicit them in Las Vegas, Nevada. On the one
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
Prostitution Should Be Legalized Some say prostitution is the world 's oldest profession. Yet, only a small percentage of the world's government allows it. The legalization of prostitution is a very controversial topic due to many people's moral beliefs. Prostitutes all over the world are treated as outcasts. A reason for people to be against prostitution could be due to their religious beliefs, moral standpoints, or lack of knowledge over the subject. Many religions state that sex outside of marriage is a sin and those who do it should be looked down upon. Due to these beliefs people tend to be against the legalization of prostitution. Though there are many facts that show that prostitution should be legalized. Prostitution should be legalized in the United States because then it can be regulated, would help the economy, and would lower the prison population and crimes against prostitutes. Prostitution should be legalized because it could be regulated by the government. Legalization can reduce the risk of STD's (Devdariani). By regulating prostitution, prostitutes can be required to get tested and can also make sure that they aren't working while infected. There are multiple cases where this has worked. In Amsterdam, where prostitution is legal, there are health services that specialize in informing prostitutes about a free or low–cost clinic for STD's (Amsterdam Prostitution). This is just one example of how legalizing prostitution can help regulate the spread of STD's
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
Prostitution has been described as one of the oldest professions know to man. Although women inparticular have had the ability to sell their bodies in order to gain assets doing so has not only been frowned upon but illegal. Some find this option as a last resort. They have depleted resources and don't know where else to turn. Many argue that morally prostitution is wrong and they may have merit in saying so. Despite this prostitution should be legalized not only because women should have the right to do what they want with their bodies but also in order to better protect the people who decide to pursue this practice. A concern that distresses a majority of people regarding prostitution is the "psychological damage" that can be caused by selling oneself. This argument is validated by the statistics produced by prostitutes. They are not only more likely to commit suicide(almost six times the normal rate of an average American)but are more likely to struggle with depression and insomnia. They also often reported that they felt guilt and remorse after selling sex. This is all pretty convincing evidence that prostitution does cause psychological issues but maybe the issues come from the stigma that is attached to prostitution and not prostitution itself. To explain this more accurately I would like to look at the homosexual population.
In Moen's article "Is prostitution harmful?" he goes into detail about the gay community and their psychological well being. Before
Should Prostitution be Legalized?
Prostitution is an issue that has been debated in many countries. 22 countries have legalized prostitution. In the United States, prostitution is only legal in 11 rural counties in Nevada. It used to be legal in Rhode Island due to a loophole, but since 2009, it has been illegal. Women are not the only ones who are prostitutes, about 20 to 30% of prostitutes are male, which means both genders are affected by laws against prostitution. Men and women should be allowed to choose how they want to use their bodies how they wish, and that includes prostitution. People deserve the freedom of choice. While some question the morality of prostitution, citing the Bible or other religious texts, people such as Catherine La Croix, founder and executive director of Call Off Your Old Tired Ethics (COYOTE), say that "Sex work is no more moral or immoral than the chocolate or distilling industries". In the argument of Associate Justice John Marshall Harlan, in the Supreme court case of USA vs. Bitty, said that "the lives and example of such persons are in hostility to 'the idea of the family as consisting in and springing from the union for life of one man and one woman in the holy estate of matrimony". That argument that Harlan made is based on his religious beliefs, not on evidence. Prostitution is famously known as the oldest profession in the world and if prostitution is "wrong", then why can people drink or smoke freely? Our laws should not be based on morality or religious text, they
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
Prostitution has been around for a very long time. There has been great debates over the last few decades about prostitution law reform. It is accepted by some, denied by others, or just forbidden. Prostitution is that one thing that people do and does not get brought up for discussion after the fact. It is what some people call dirty and distasteful. But prostitution whether legalized or not will continue to happen. I will argue that prostitution should be legalized because it would bring more benefit than negative consequences in terms of rights, safety, health and well–being.
The paper has the following structure. In section, I will explain what critics have to say about legalization of prostitution. In section 2, I will argue for legalization and how it comes at a far less risk than keeping the law the way it is. In section, I will talk about possible objections my view and give a response.
I will begin by saying, in New Zealand, prostitution has be decriminalized since 2003. It is legal for any citizen over the age of 18 to sell sexual favors. Also legal is the ability to run a brothel. Sex workers right are guaranteed through employment and human rights legislation. The prostitution Law review Committee found that over 90 percent of sex workers believed that the New Zealand Prostitution Reform Act (PRA) gave them employment, and legal and helth and safety rights. Asubstantial 64 percent found it easier to refuse clients. Importantly, 57 percent said police attitudes
Prostitution has frequently been touted as the world's oldest profession, for the simple fact that it has been prevalent in society for quite some time. In order to properly discuss the many social ramifications of this particular crime and possible ways for dealing with them, it is first necessary to define prostitution and to explore the reason why it is a crime. Prostitution is the exchange of money or monetary assets for sexual favors and pleasure. It is the paying for sex in all of its myriad facets, from conventional coitus to a number of lewd and arcane acts from which people derive pleasure. Prostitution is part of the sex industry, which includes legal business such as strip clubs (Weitzer 7). There are a couple of different reasons as to why exchanging money for sex is deemed illegal. One principle reason is that if it were legalized, it would be exceedingly difficult for the government to tax and to capitalize off it, which is one of the reasons in which marijuana is widely considered illegal. More importantly, however, prostitution is illegal because it promotes the objectification of women and their bodies, and inherently reduces the degree of parity between men and women in which the latter are viewed as things simply for the fulfillment of men's sexual desires. Additionally, there are a variety of noxious activities that accompany prostitution such as trafficking in which the will of another is subjected to someone else's. There are essentially two
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
Prostitution has been one of the oldest professions of all time. So should it be legal? When it comes to the topic of prostitution, a lot of people will readily agree that it is "wrong" for moral reasons and or religious beliefs. People will also argue that prostitution is in the bible stating it is wrong, but not everyone has the same beliefs and others do not believe in God. Everyone has different opinions and mindsets towards it. Where this agreement usually ends, however is with the question, if Prostitution be legalized. Some are convinced that it should not be legalized because it is considered sexual harassment, rape, battering, domestic violence, a violatation of human rights, childhood sexual abuse and many other reasons. Whereas others maintain that it should be legalized for many reasons such as it will reduce violence against women, it will make sex workers healthier, it is also a victim less crime and they can be a source of tax revenue. Plus, believe it or not, prostitution is not going away anytime soon. I agree with prostitution being legalized. Some women are forced into prostitution, It will also regulate human trafficking and it will make the streets safer. Now–a–days there is debate on why prostitution should be legalized. It should be legalized and treated as if it were to be any other job. They can also give the workers access to social security and health benefits, and they would be able to also regulate their places and terms of employment.
On
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
Prostitution is considered to be the oldest profession in the world. Many people support the idea of legalizing prostitution, while others do not. This controversial debate has been ongoing since the beginning of time. Paul Armentano states many points that push towards why prostitution should be legalized, but the truth is that prostitution is just the sexual objectification of women. It is viewing them solely as de–personalized objects of desire instead of as individuals of complex personalities, which is done by speaking or thinking of women solely by their physical attributes. Sexuality has been a controversial topic for a long time, and there have been many thinkers pondering on its effects on societies and cultures all over the world. The physical expression of sexuality is fundamental and universal. What differs is how cultures, religions and societies construe and influence both the setting in which sexual intercourse between men and women occurs and the type of relationships in which pregnancy is encouraged. The idea behind this form of controlled sexual behavior, which was enforced by culture and society, was to promote family health and welfare, and thereby create healthy societies for the survival and expansion of mankind. Prostitution, the practice of selling one's body for the purpose of another's sexual gratification, has existed throughout history in all parts of the world. Prostitution is considered by many a shameful, degrading, and abusive practice that
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
Yelena Gorrino Alejo
English114
Dr.Walker
May,15,2015
Should prostitution be legalized?
Most of us have heard of prostitution and the controversial opinions of people whether it should be legalized or not. The fact is that prostitution has been practiced for many years regardless of its legality. As defined in the dictionary prostitution is the exchange of sex for money. Out of the 50 states in the U.S., Nevada is the only states were prostitution is legal. On the other hand, in some European countries prostitution is not illegal and its safety practice with proper regulations. Therefore legalization should not be the issue; instead regulations should be placed to make the practice of prostitution safer. There are more important aspects of prostitution that need to be addressed; regulations on moral, heath, and crime should be established. These regulations should include laws on health standards for the security of prostitute, morality regulations should address age restrictions abiding with all current state ages of consent, both for those who practice prostitution or the people seeking for a prostitute, more specifically referring to people over the age of eighteen, and crime regulations should address more security were prostitution is practice.
In Germany, unlike in some other countries they do not look down upon prostitutes or the people who go after their services. Prostitution in Germany more specifically in Amsterdam is part of the culture and their views of
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
Legalize Prostitution When it comes to the topic of prostitution, some of us will readily agree that it is harmful for men and women. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of should prostitution be legalized. Whereas some are convinced that women and men should be allowed to do what they please with their bodies and the legalization of prostitution would cause the decrease of STD's and rapes. Others maintain that prostitution is not a mainstream job and can cause psychological issues. Though I concede that prostitution is not a mainstream job in the sense that there is no resemblance to another mainstream job that consists of using your body to exchange sex for money. I still insist that it should be legalized, because we are paying millions of dollars in taxes to arrest the prostitutes. Furthermore, it would help boost the economy, help bring awareness to sexuality in a sex positive matter, protect minors, decrease sexually transmitted infections, and rape cases. The first argument, I would like to approach is about how much the American people are paying in taxes. In the LA Times an article "Prostitution arrests cost $2,000 each, Studies find" by Laurie Becklund. She discusses the arrests for prostitution, and if the cost is too high to be able to keep affording prostitution to be illegal, she states "Law enforcement agencies in America 's biggest cities spend an average of about $2,000 for each arrest of a prostitute, which amounts to more
Should Prostitution Be Legalized? Essay
Should prostitution be legalized? There are many reasons why prostitution should be legalized because it will have many positive effects. Legalizing prostitution would reduce crime, improve public health, increase tax revenue, help people out of poverty, get prostitutes off the streets, and allow adults to make their own choices. People say that prostitution is a victimless crime, especially in the 11 Nevada counties where it remains legal. There are ways that prostitution can be fixed to help the prostitutes be cleaner and more organized and also make sure the clients are safe too. There are other plenty positive effects that legalizing prostitution will bring. One reason prostitution should be legal is so sex industry workers have more...show more content...
Our country was founded on the principles of "life ,liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" a phrase in the "United States Declaration of Independence" this means that people should be able to do whatever they want with their bodies. if they want to sell their bodies then it is his or her freedom to do so. If being a prostitute is what a person wants then it shouldn't be illegal because its their own choice. There are more serious crimes to deal with for police than prostitution. Legalized prostitution would make it possible for government to tax the profits and make money. If it is legalized the government could also place regulations on the profession. Even though it is illegal , it still goes on all over the world. Putting a high tax on prostitution will bring in a lot of money for the government." It is difficult to estimate the number of persons who currently work, or have ever worked as prostitutes for many reasons including the various definitions of prostitution. National arrest figures [in the United States] range over 100,000" If there are more then 100,000 prostitutes in the US then the government will definitely make a lot of money off prostitution if its
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
In the United States, prostitution is outlawed in 49 out of the 50 states. Although many people have debated that prostitution is immoral and life–threatening occupation, the basic assumption that outlawing prostitution is adequate to discourage individuals from trading sex is not well established. In the recent past, the federal government has come up with various interventions on prostitution, majority of which are laws related to sex work. Notwithstanding most Americans according to the fact that the polices against sex work are unbearable and in spite of many calls having been made to adjust the existing prostitution laws, the legislators have been unable to come up with the best way to handle the matter of prostitution. The main...show more content...
Besides, it was also indicated that she was involved in money laundering that was concealed in her prostitution business (Fleiss Hollywood Madam). After she was arrested in 1995, she was jailed for three years. However, her sentence resulted into a huge argumentation about prostitution laws. Particularly, many people believed that the three–year incarceration was a little too heavy. While calls have been for legalization of sex trade in California, they have been hindered by public health concerns of the sex workers. Lamentably though, the federal government and state governments, except for the state of Nevada, are yet to come up any legislative solution on prostitutions. Thus despite these calls and advocacy, sex trade remains a crime in California.
With the raising numbers of missing or murdered prostitutes in California, the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and other damages committed on sex workers, the majority of the opinions have been that there is need for the state of California to act in time and protect prostitutes. Sex work has been depicted as the oldest profession. This means that the exchange of sex for money has been in existence for long, and will continue to be in existence. Thus for the majority of the people, sex works and sex industry is conceived morally wrong and should not be allowed to escalate. In various ways, this has been the idea behind
Should Prostitution Be Legalized?
To make a living in this country, individuals take up jobs that provides a service that society deems a necessary need, whether that profession be a doctor, teacher, engineer, labor worker, or prostitute. All of these jobs exist in the United States; however, all of them except prostitution is legal and are equipped with rights and rules (Nussbaum 669). The only law that exists concerning prostitution is the one that outlaws it. Its legislation is due to the nasty stigma people have towards it since it is believed to be against our common set of morals. However, the reality is that this job will not disappear with the constant flow of clients that demand this service. Thus, prostitution should be legalized so that the government can regulate the profession, which would allow the fabrication of laws to protect prostitutes and create a safe atmosphere for them to practice their profession. In turn, such a change in governing has the potential to finally eliminate the idea that it is degrading the modern–day world.
By definition, a prostitute is male or female who use their bodies to perform sexual acts in exchange for compensation, usually in the form of monetary currency. It is often considered one of the oldest profession since the beginning of time. Currently in the United States, there are thousands of women who are practicing this profession as a source of income, despite it being illegal in almost all 50 states. According to Jared R. Rayborn, a graduate of Willamette