should prostitution be legal?

[Revoltingest]

So because there are issues that cause harm with our current system we should further create another system from a sector with heavy amounts of exploitation?

The vicious oppression of the justice system is fundamental.
Improvements wouldn't eliminate the threats, violence,
kidnapping, imprisonment, & ruining of lives.

Legalizing & licensing sex work would indeed create a new
system. It would replace or at least reduce demand for the
worse illegal underground system. And it would reduce
demands on the justice system.

Exploitation exists in every economic system, even your
vaunted socialism. Production must happen, needs will be
satisfied, & the big differences lie in workers either enduring
coercion or compelling choice . So the label "exploitation"
is empty criticism.
Legal sex work is the system that offers the most liberty,
prosperity, & well being.

Your logic seems to be missing a step.

It seems so because you've
not considered it fully.

 

[metis]

Yes, I think it should be legal, much like in the Netherlands.

 

[Curious George]

…governments can implement regulations and safeguards to protect the well-being and rights of sex workers.

Again this sounds like pie in the sky… exactly what safeguards will the government create to protect the well being and rights? What level of involvement will be needed to enforce such regulations.

2. Combating Human Trafficking

… When prostitution is decriminalized, law enforcement agencies can focus their efforts on identifying and prosecuting traffickers rather than penalizing consenting adults engaged in sex work. Additionally, regulations can ensure that individuals engaging in sex work are doing so voluntarily and are not victims of coercion or exploitation.

Are you suggesting that trafficking and exploitation continue because of insufficient resources and freeing up whatever resources are currently spent on “penalizing consenting adults engaged in sex work.”

3. Protecting Human Rights

…. Legalization and regulation enable sex workers to access labor rights, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and legal recourse for grievances. These measures empower sex workers to assert their rights and challenge exploitation, discrimination, and abuse.

Okay so now you are suggesting that workplaces and employers are going to be required to provide minimum rights and wages, because we know employers always dutifully follow such regulations, and this is likely to be more so with a field that is full of exploitation.

4. Public Health and Harm Reduction

The criminalization of prostitution exacerbates public health risks. By legalizing and regulating the industry, governments can implement comprehensive health and safety protocols. Regular health screenings, access to condoms and contraceptives, and educational programs can significantly reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and promote safe sexual practices. Moreover, legalizing prostitution opens avenues for sex workers to access healthcare services, including counseling and addiction support, reducing drug-related harm and the spread of diseases.

Those avenues already exist. I see no reason to assume that because sex work was legalized that more people would access these services. In fact, making sex work reported income would possibly exclude some individuals from accessing services.

5. Economic Empowerment and Taxation

Legalizing and regulating prostitution can have positive economic effects. Sex work can be a significant source of income for individuals who may not have access to other employment opportunities due to various reasons, including stigmatization or lack of qualifications. By recognizing and regulating this industry, governments can ensure that sex workers are not pushed into poverty and are able to earn a living with dignity. Additionally, taxing the industry can generate revenue for public services and contribute to economic growth.

No argument here. There is a lot of money in sex. My concern is that you want to legalize something that is highly exploitative in the hopes that doing so would make it less exploitative. I think that it is more likely to make it more abundant, more socially acceptable and therefore open more opportunities for exploitation.

6. Shifting Societal Attitudes

Legalizing and regulating prostitution provides an opportunity to shift societal attitudes towards sex work. By acknowledging that sex work is a legitimate profession, we can reduce the stigma and discrimination that sex workers often face. This change in perspective can pave the way for better social integration, improved access to support services, and a more inclusive society.

I agree that legalization would go a long way towards remedying the stigmatization and discrimination faced by sex workers or by those that have been trafficked and exploited. However, I think legalization is not necessary for such a shift in social attitudes. Moreover, I think achieving such a shift without legalization would be more beneficial.

…Thanks, ChatGPT!

I think chatgpt provided you a high school level essay.

 

[Curious George]

The vicious oppression of the justice system is fundamental.
Improvements wouldn't eliminate the threats, violence,
kidnapping, imprisonment, & ruining of lives.

Legalizing & licensing sex work would indeed create a new
system. It would replace or at least reduce demand for the
worse illegal underground system. And it would reduce
demands on the justice system.

Exploitation exists in every economic system, even your
vaunted socialism. Production must happen, needs will be
satisfied, & the big differences lie in workers either enduring
coercion or compelling choice . So the label "exploitation"
is empty criticism.
Legal sex work is the system that offers the most liberty,
prosperity, & well being.


It seems so because you've
not considered it fully.

You have me mistaken. While I think that a healthy safety net needs to be provided by us to assist individuals in our society, I am a firm believer in capitalism as the most efficient resource distribution system. I would like to say that I considered any other points in your post, but when you make such fundamentally erroneous assumptions, I can only assume that the rest of your post is equal saturated.

 

[Subduction Zone]

Again this sounds like pie in the sky… exactly what safeguards will the government create to protect the well being and rights? What level of involvement will be needed to enforce such regulations.



2. Combating Human Trafficking

… When prostitution is decriminalized, law enforcement agencies can focus their efforts on identifying and prosecuting traffickers rather than penalizing consenting adults engaged in sex work. Additionally, regulations can ensure that individuals engaging in sex work are doing so voluntarily and are not victims of coercion or exploitation.

Decriminalization is supposed to help fight trafficking because the prostitute would not be charge for her "crimes" but the people that forced her into work would be punished. Right now it is very difficult for sex-workers to report the people that profit from them because they are guilty of breaking the law too.

 

[Father Heathen]

Again this sounds like pie in the sky… exactly what safeguards will the government create to protect the well being and rights? What level of involvement will be needed to enforce such regulations.



2. Combating Human Trafficking

… When prostitution is decriminalized, law enforcement agencies can focus their efforts on identifying and prosecuting traffickers rather than penalizing consenting adults engaged in sex work. Additionally, regulations can ensure that individuals engaging in sex work are doing so voluntarily and are not victims of coercion or exploitation.

Are you suggesting that trafficking and exploitation continue because of insufficient resources and freeing up whatever resources are currently spent on “penalizing consenting adults engaged in sex work.”



Okay so now you are suggesting that workplaces and employers are going to be required to provide minimum rights and wages, because we know employers always dutifully follow such regulations, and this is likely to be more so with a field that is full of exploitation.


Those avenues already exist. I see no reason to assume that because sex work was legalized that more people would access these services. In fact, making sex work reported income would possibly exclude some individuals from accessing services.


No argument here. There is a lot of money in sex. My concern is that you want to legalize something that is highly exploitative in the hopes that doing so would make it less exploitative. I think that it is more likely to make it more abundant, more socially acceptable and therefore open more opportunities for exploitation.


I agree that legalization would go a long way towards remedying the stigmatization and discrimination faced by sex workers or by those that have been trafficked and exploited. However, I think legalization is not necessary for such a shift in social attitudes. Moreover, I think achieving such a shift without legalization would be more beneficial.



I think chatgpt provided you a high school level essay.

I stand by my opinion on the matter.

 

[Curious George]

Decriminalization is supposed to help fight trafficking because the prostitute would not be charge for her "crimes" but the people that forced her into work would be punished. Right now it is very difficult for sex-workers to report the people that profit from them because they are guilty of breaking the law too.

Couldn’t that be done just the same by changing the consequences for those “in the life” while still keeping solicitation illegal?

 

[Revoltingest]

You have me mistaken. While I think that a healthy safety net needs to be provided by us to assist individuals in our society, I am a firm believer in capitalism as the most efficient resource distribution system.

Hah!
You noticed my little jab.

I would like to say that I considered any other points in your post, but when you make such fundamentally erroneous assumptions, I can only assume that the rest of your post is equal saturated.

Good.
I've discouraged you from posting to me.

 

[Curious George]

Hah!
You noticed my little jab.

Good.
I've discouraged you from posting to me.

Lol, I don’t think you would be so lucky. I just imagine you are useful for witty and jovial banter.

 

[Subduction Zone]

Couldn’t that be done just the same by changing the consequences for those “in the life” while still keeping solicitation illegal?

How? Decriminalization is a solution. It is a rather easy one. And I do understand that the sex and human nature does complicate things. But from a non-religious viewpoint it is rather hard to justify making prostitution illegal.

 

[Revoltingest]

Lol, I don’t think you would be so lucky. I just imagine you are useful for witty and jovial banter.

Setting that aside, you & I must agree to disagree
about the role of government in sex work, ie,
legal vs prosecuting sex workers & customers.

 

[Curious George]

How? Decriminalization is a solution. It is a rather easy one. And I do understand that the sex and human nature does complicate things. But from a non-religious viewpoint it is rather hard to justify making prostitution illegal.

I don’t think it is hard at all to justify from a secular viewpoint. I am an atheist.

As a society we allow for restrictions on the freedom to contract when we are trying to prevent a bigger societal concern. In this case it is the exploitation of our fellow citizens. This is similar to minimum wage standards restricting freedom of employees and employers to contract for exploitive wages, or for landlords contracting with tenants to rent dwellings that cannot pass minimum safety standards. This is, albeit, a more broad restriction in that it makes illegal the ability to contract for sex under even circumstances where no exploitation exists. But the reasoning behind this is that exploitation is so rampant and so difficult to otherwise police that making all contracting for sex illegal becomes a reasonable way to address the problem.

We also make illegal sex between a 16 year old and a person over the age of 21 in many states. This is done by saying that the 16 year old cannot consent, despite the fact that the 16 year old could consent of the sexual partner was 17. The reason we do this is because of the disparity in power and the exploitation and manipulation that can and does occur in many relationships with a minor and another with such an age disparity.

My point here is that this reasoning is not foreign to our current system or reliant on any religious or spiritual beliefs or morality.

 

[Curious George]

Setting that aside, you & I must agree to disagree
about the role of government in sex work, ie,
legal vs prosecuting sex workers & customers.

Certainly, reasonable minds can disagree. For what it’s worth, I do recognize that legalization can be helpful. I just also see potential harm.

 

[Riders]

I can't support it at all since it would be a violation of my conscience to. I view sex work as immoral, demeaning and dehumanizing, as an attack on human dignity. I've known multiple people in my life who have prostituted themselves and it hasn't ended up well for any of them. A sex worker without mental health problems or a history of trauma and abuse is almost unheard of, as well.

I don't see the point of throwing sex workers in jail or prison. So it should be decriminalized on their end and they should be placed in diversion programs, vocational programs, etc. They should be helped out of it. The only people jailed for it should be those seeking it and pimps (sex traffickers), imo.

27 years ago when I was 29, I was fighting with my parents. they were driving each other crazy, they did not want me to go to beauty school like I was, I was fighting with my beauty school director and not getting any medication for my psychiatric problem. I needed to see a psychiatrist badly. I was kind of tired and just took my puree and walked off and started walking the highway from Mesquite to Balch Springs.

It started raining hard. But I ran into a huge sea of trucks and I could not see a travel plaza but if I had kept walking I would have found it. Instead, my stupidity got to me and I knocked on the door of a trucker.OMG, that was so so stupid.
He said to get in here, it's cold and wet so I was happy to be in a truck and I started telling him my troubles. He said yes I have heard it all but you can´t stay with me tonight because I have to stay here and they are strict about the rules.

He ended up trafficking me off to other truck drivers on the cb. He told them I was obee but when they complained about it he said I was cute and would make someone some good company. It was very abusive and I did drink with them, had sex and they gave me food shelter, and about 12 dollars for it. I ended up 3 days later with my last Trucker who was Christian and said I should get out of the situation now.

He had sex with me but he was a good guy, he said if I didn´t stop now I would be dead from a serial killer or drugs in 2 years and I would never go home alive. So he scared me straight and gave me the phone number of an Assembly of God homeless shelter in Wytheville Virginia. I called them and they came really fast and found me at the phone and said they had a room in their shelter for me. I have tried looking them up to give them money but I don´t think they exist anymore.
I went home 3 weeks later and it was very very scary and abusive with truck drivers I didn´t know. I use to look like a 15-year-old when I was 28. Itś scary but maybe that´s why they were attracted to me, creeps me out. But yes it was very abusive and I would like to have a law that would discourage teens from getting involved with prostitution. If legalizing it means more men will use a brothel instead of picking them up off he street so be it.

 

[Riders]

Well, I have been spelling Withville wrong lol! Its Wytheville! I did find a Christian shelter out there. I wrote them and asked if they were the same group who was there 28 years ago. I might send a small contribution.

 

[Curious George]

I stand by my opinion on the matter.

I don’t hope to change your opinion. But I do hope those that think legalizing prostitution will help, recognize that the conversation is not so clear cut. Perhaps chat GPT can help you with that:


Title: Legalizing Prostitution: An Increase in Exploitation and Harm

Introduction:
Prostitution, the exchange of sexual services for money, remains a highly contentious issue worldwide. While some argue for its legalization as a means of protecting sex workers and ensuring their rights, there are compelling reasons to believe that such a move would only lead to an increase in exploitation and harm. This essay will outline the potential negative consequences associated with the legalization of prostitution, highlighting how it can exacerbate existing social inequalities, foster human trafficking, and perpetuate violence against vulnerable individuals.

Reinforcement of Social Inequalities:
Legalizing prostitution may inadvertently reinforce existing social inequalities and contribute to the marginalization of vulnerable populations. The industry often preys on individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who lack alternatives for financial stability. Legalization can perpetuate a system where those with greater socioeconomic power can exploit those who are economically vulnerable, deepening the divide between the privileged and the marginalized.
Increased Human Trafficking:
Prostitution and human trafficking are closely intertwined. Legalizing prostitution can inadvertently create a demand that cannot be met solely by voluntary sex workers. This leads to a rise in human trafficking as criminal organizations exploit vulnerable individuals, often through coercion and force, to meet the demand. Research has shown that countries with legalized prostitution have witnessed an increase in human trafficking, thereby undermining efforts to combat this grave violation of human rights.
Violence and Abuse:
The legalization of prostitution may not adequately protect sex workers from violence and abuse, as proponents suggest. While regulation may aim to provide safer working conditions, it does not address the underlying power dynamics that perpetuate violence in the industry. Prostituted individuals are at a higher risk of physical and sexual assault, mental health issues, and substance abuse. Legalization may inadvertently normalize the notion that buying and selling sexual services is acceptable, contributing to a culture that devalues consent and increases the risk of violence against sex workers.
Objectification and Dignity:
Legalizing prostitution raises concerns about the objectification of individuals and the erosion of human dignity. By commodifying intimate relationships, it reduces sex to a transactional act devoid of emotional connection. This reinforces harmful societal attitudes that view women and marginalized individuals as mere objects for sexual gratification. Such objectification perpetuates gender inequality and undermines efforts to achieve a more egalitarian society.
Conclusion:
While the debate surrounding the legalization of prostitution is complex and multifaceted, it is essential to consider the potential negative consequences that could arise from such a move. Legalization may inadvertently increase exploitation, human trafficking, violence, and the objectification of vulnerable individuals. Rather than legalizing prostitution, efforts should be directed towards addressing the root causes of economic inequality, providing social support systems, and focusing on the abolition of human trafficking. Only by tackling these underlying issues can we work towards a society that upholds the dignity and well-being of all individuals, free from exploitation and harm

 

[Father Heathen]

I don’t hope to change your opinion. But I do hope those that think legalizing prostitution will help, recognize that the conversation is not so clear cut. Perhaps chat GPT can help you with that:


Title: Legalizing Prostitution: An Increase in Exploitation and Harm

Introduction:
Prostitution, the exchange of sexual services for money, remains a highly contentious issue worldwide. While some argue for its legalization as a means of protecting sex workers and ensuring their rights, there are compelling reasons to believe that such a move would only lead to an increase in exploitation and harm. This essay will outline the potential negative consequences associated with the legalization of prostitution, highlighting how it can exacerbate existing social inequalities, foster human trafficking, and perpetuate violence against vulnerable individuals.

Reinforcement of Social Inequalities:
Legalizing prostitution may inadvertently reinforce existing social inequalities and contribute to the marginalization of vulnerable populations. The industry often preys on individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who lack alternatives for financial stability. Legalization can perpetuate a system where those with greater socioeconomic power can exploit those who are economically vulnerable, deepening the divide between the privileged and the marginalized.
Increased Human Trafficking:
Prostitution and human trafficking are closely intertwined. Legalizing prostitution can inadvertently create a demand that cannot be met solely by voluntary sex workers. This leads to a rise in human trafficking as criminal organizations exploit vulnerable individuals, often through coercion and force, to meet the demand. Research has shown that countries with legalized prostitution have witnessed an increase in human trafficking, thereby undermining efforts to combat this grave violation of human rights.
Violence and Abuse:
The legalization of prostitution may not adequately protect sex workers from violence and abuse, as proponents suggest. While regulation may aim to provide safer working conditions, it does not address the underlying power dynamics that perpetuate violence in the industry. Prostituted individuals are at a higher risk of physical and sexual assault, mental health issues, and substance abuse. Legalization may inadvertently normalize the notion that buying and selling sexual services is acceptable, contributing to a culture that devalues consent and increases the risk of violence against sex workers.
Objectification and Dignity:
Legalizing prostitution raises concerns about the objectification of individuals and the erosion of human dignity. By commodifying intimate relationships, it reduces sex to a transactional act devoid of emotional connection. This reinforces harmful societal attitudes that view women and marginalized individuals as mere objects for sexual gratification. Such objectification perpetuates gender inequality and undermines efforts to achieve a more egalitarian society.
Conclusion:
While the debate surrounding the legalization of prostitution is complex and multifaceted, it is essential to consider the potential negative consequences that could arise from such a move. Legalization may inadvertently increase exploitation, human trafficking, violence, and the objectification of vulnerable individuals. Rather than legalizing prostitution, efforts should be directed towards addressing the root causes of economic inequality, providing social support systems, and focusing on the abolition of human trafficking. Only by tackling these underlying issues can we work towards a society that upholds the dignity and well-being of all individuals, free from exploitation and harm

Sticking with my POV, but don't let it keep you up at night.

 

[Yerda]

I don’t hope to change your opinion. But I do hope those that think legalizing prostitution will help, recognize that the conversation is not so clear cut.

I think we should ask prostitutes and academics who specialise in the legal, moral, or sociological elements of sex work what they think would produce the least harm.

 

[Curious George]

Sticking with my POV, but don't let it keep you up at night.

I will try my best, but the thought that someone out there might possibly have a different opinion than mine is definitely disconcerting enough to shake the very foundations of my being.

Cheers

 

[Curious George]

I think we should ask prostitutes and academics who specialise in the legal, moral, or sociological elements of sex work what they think would produce the least harm.

I agree, though I imagine we would come up with the same variety of opinions: thise that think it will help, those that think it will harm and everything in the middle.