Kemoya Riley
Maria Labbato
LBST 2101-207
4/4/16
Prostitution Debate Paper Prostitution is the occupation or act of providing sexual services with someone in exchange for payment or some other benefit. Prostitution is known to be the world’s oldest form of occupation. It dates back to around 2400 B.C. The profession is recorded to produce about one hundred billion in revenues annually throughout the world. Prostitution is considered illegal in the United States, with exception of some places in Nevada. The criminalization of the trade is a controversial issue because it is said to be damaging to not only the individuals involved in the trade but also surrounding others. According to sources, prostitution cause the spread of diseases, moral shame, and human trafficking. The amount of effort and money put into destroying prostitution hardly shows good results. Although it brings much complaint and conflict, legalizing prostitution would help limit problems for the sex workers, improve the economy and help weaken the spread of diseases. There are many reasons argued about why prostitution should be illegal. One of the most argued reasons about why prostitution should be illegal is because its morally wrong. Morals is a person’s standards of behavior or beliefs concerning what is and is not acceptable for them to do(google.com). Morals are based off of a piece of information or an experience and differs from person to person. Morality is subjective and what is considered morally wrong to one person might not be to someone else. Murder is considered morally wrong in society to some but then abortion is legal. So that leaves me to question is this really about morals or is it about who gets to pocket the money. It is also argued that legalizing prostitution is the same as legalizing the spread of diseases. According to Healthypeople.gov, sexually transmitted diseases are acquired during unprotected sex with infected partners. Factors such as poverty, marginalization, access to health care and secrecy affects the spread of STD’s. The author states, “to help with decreasing the spread of STD’s, promoting healthy sexual behaviors, strengthen community capacity and increase access to quality services.” Legalizing prostitution would allow the government to be in control of the health and safety of those involved with the trade. The government can require routine checks, use of contraceptives and approve of a safe place to practice the act (ex. brothels). The government can also require a valid license and a class on STD’s for sex workers. If workers are provided with the right services, it’ll help weaken the chances of spreading diseases. Prostitution involves two people consent and choice to engage in sexual acts. There is no apparent victim or injury with trade similarly to any other legal occupation. It is a profitable industry and it’ll not only benefit the government through taxes, but also through redirecting police resources towards larger problems. The most crimes reported with prostitution involves the safety of the prostitutes. Legalizing prostitution allows sex workers the same right as any other occupation, making them less vulnerable to exploitation. Prostitution is an underground activity that is practiced in the shadows because it is considered a crime. The secrecy makes it more difficult to address the more serious crimes such as forced juvenile prostitution and murder. “if women could legally participate on their own free will, the likelihood of underage prostitution and sex slaves would decrease.” Studies show that the rape rate would decrease by roughly 25% if prostitution is legalized. “Current laws do not stop prostitutes from selling sex, but seems only to make them more prone to violent acts while working.” Criminalizing prostitution is and had never been a Solution. I believe legalizing prostitution is the next best way to go for everyone.