Should prostitution be legalized in the United States?

The New Intimacy

Should prostitution be legalized in the United States?

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Contributor: Nashville Nashville
You can legally buy someone over 18 a $300 dinner and then take the person home for sex. You can legally take the person on a $2,500 weekend getaway for sex. But it’s a crime for you to pay someone $2,500 directly for sex, etc. Porn is not illegal as well as sex toys, why should paid sex be illegal?

From link :"Obviously, involuntary prostitution and sexual abuse of children must be outlawed and diligently prevented by the legal system. Making prostitution legal for consenting adults would free up law-enforcement resources to protect children and non consenting adults."

Are you morally against legalized prostitution? Do you think by making paid sex a mainstream and legitimate profession, it would prevent prostitutes from being killed, contracting diseases, etc- or do you think it would make the sexual health and deviancy of America worse?
Answers (private voting - your screen name will NOT appear in the results):
Yes.
263  (78%)
No.
57  (17%)
Other.
18  (5%)
Total votes: 338
Poll is closed
06/10/2009
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Contributor: Raven Raven
I say, absolutely yes. Between 2 consenting adults I see so reason why the government should step in and regulate what goes on. Some people in this country are really screwed up when it comes to anything to do with sex and they want to tell everyone else what they should do. Isn't it Alabama that is now banning sex toy sales or something along those lines? Unreal.

Legalizing it would allow the government to tax them and license them, maybe. They could possibly require periodic testing to make sure they are healthy, which might make some people feel better about the whole thing. I had a Sociology class in college where the professor gave us several reasons why it would be a good move for the country if prostitution were legalized, and it made a lot of sense.
06/10/2009
Contributor: LikeSunshineDust LikeSunshineDust
I'm not sure about this. I completely agree that a consenting adult should be able to have sex in exchange for money. But I live in Rhode Island where prostitution is legal as long as it takes place indoors. You can't sell yourself on the streets but brothels are completely legal. This has created a huge loophole for human sex trafficking. Women are kidnapped, sold to pimps and then rented out as sex slaves in "massage parlors" and such. If prostitution were legalized in every state, I can only imagine that the amount of human trafficking would increase. There are too many evil people that would take advantage of legal prostitution and use it to exploit others.

If prostitution were legalized, law enforcement would still have to check up on brothels and pimps to make sure that the prostitutes were actually consenting adults.
06/10/2009
Contributor: LikeSunshineDust LikeSunshineDust
Chopped of the end of my post...

For now I'm gonna have to go with no.
06/10/2009
Contributor: Viv Viv
I say get a strict regulating body in place to maintain the safety and health of sex workers and then TAX THE LIVING HELL OUT OF IT. What deficit?
06/10/2009
Contributor: Backseat Boohoo Backseat Boohoo
I said "other," mostly because I can see either side. I usually lean towards "yes," at least for a few states, as long as it is strictly regulated the way it is right now.
06/10/2009
Contributor: Boxers Over Briefs Boxers Over Briefs
Regulating an industry is generally far superior to an outright ban. Banning something takes it out of the spectrum of government control, whereas regulation would allow the prostitutes to be licensed, with verifiable proof that they are free of STI's. It would take a lot of the danger and uncertainty out of prostitution.

Amsterdam serves as an excellent example.
06/10/2009
Contributor: Adriana Ravenlust Adriana Ravenlust
Quote:
Originally posted by LikeSunshineDust
I'm not sure about this. I completely agree that a consenting adult should be able to have sex in exchange for money. But I live in Rhode Island where prostitution is legal as long as it takes place indoors. You can't sell yourself on the ... more
It's interesting that this is the reality. I'm not familiar with the situation but many proponents of legalization argue that regulation will put a halt to human trafficking and some of the shadier aspects of prostitution.
06/10/2009
Contributor: Pumpkin Lady Pumpkin Lady
I wasn't sure if your answers were to your title question, or to the later question. So here's my answer:

Yes, prostitution should be legal. If it were regulated brothels should have to live up to special codes and regulations. People are sold into prostitution as it is, and if it was regulated it's possible that the violent acts could stop. The economy would be lifted. Not to mention their health would be checked regularly, so people could engage sexually only with those of similar health issues/non-issues.

It would be so awesome if Obama went for it.
06/10/2009
Contributor: Jessica Elizabeth Jessica Elizabeth
I also agree it should be legalized. The regulation, the tax money... Pretty much above posts have expressed my opinion.
06/10/2009
Contributor: Ciao. Ciao.
I think there are some human trafficking issues even with regulation, but I think that regulation of the prostitution industry would definitely contribute to improved health for many women and it would allow for increased taxation revenue that could be used to fight more serious crime and social health issues (and could be used for education as well).
06/11/2009
Contributor: Oggins Oggins
Quote:
Originally posted by Viv
I say get a strict regulating body in place to maintain the safety and health of sex workers and then TAX THE LIVING HELL OUT OF IT. What deficit?
Well, there ya go! Talk about job security and the deficit could probably be cut in half in 6 months time! Woot! =)
06/11/2009
Contributor: Raven Raven
Quote:
Originally posted by LikeSunshineDust
I'm not sure about this. I completely agree that a consenting adult should be able to have sex in exchange for money. But I live in Rhode Island where prostitution is legal as long as it takes place indoors. You can't sell yourself on the ... more
I was assuming we were talking about garden-variety prostitution, not sex trafficking, kidnapping and such. That would be a whole different discussion, the subject of which I doubt anyone here would approve of.
06/11/2009
Contributor: Miss Cinnamon Miss Cinnamon
Interesting topic! I've been wondering why prostitution was made illegal in the first place. It's a bit silly. If there's both supply and demand for a service (in this case, prostitution), then there is no reason why both sides should not be able to conduct their affairs in a legal, regulated manner. If anyone is familiar with Joss Whedon's "Firefly" universe, there are "companions" who belong to a strictly regulated guild. They have annual check-ups to keep tabs on their health and they are very well protected from problem customers and the like by guild law. Given, "Firefly" is a sci-fi/fantasy, but its take on prostitution is still an interesting idea.

What is so shameful about sharing your body with others, especially if it's a consenting transaction and you get paid? I'm all for it, but it would definitely require a system to keep it safe for all parties involved.
06/11/2009
Contributor: Boxers Over Briefs Boxers Over Briefs
Quote:
Originally posted by Miss Cinnamon
Interesting topic! I've been wondering why prostitution was made illegal in the first place. It's a bit silly. If there's both supply and demand for a service (in this case, prostitution), then there is no reason why both sides should not ... more
According to Wikipedia, it was attacked by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the same people backing prohibition, and banned almost everywhere at the state level between 1910 and 1915.

On a related note, I've been told that back in the day, before premarital sex became the norm, it was standard for young guys to lose their virginity to prostitutes. Neat.
06/11/2009
Contributor: Red Red
I don't live in the US (at the moment, that will be changing soon) but here in Vancouver we have a world famous problem known as the downtown eastside - complete with dizzingly high levels of heroin use, and a killer who preyed on literally dozens of street prostitutes.

No one should have to be trapped in the life those women are trapped in. Our police didn't notice the serial killer issue for like a decade - because prostitutes don't really have a paper trail, and often their "community" is just more people living a marginal life. Prostitution will never ever go away, and keeping it illegal sentences women (and men) stuck in that situation to a life in a shitty shitty situation. Yeah sure, some get themselves out of it - but some can't. And that sucks.

There's a lot of squaking about it being decriminalized here. I support that idea.
06/11/2009
Contributor: Raven Raven
If I am not mistaken, it is legal in The Netherlands and in some other European countries, and they have no problem with it. I've also read that there have been studies showing that places where it is legal and where there are more tolerant views on sexual activities, the rate of sex-based crimes as well as some other types is way down compared to the US.

Also, if you think about it, my mom and other women of her generation and before sort of engaged in prostitution when they married. I'm sure they loved their husbands-to-be, but beyond that what they did was agree to provide sex in exchange for a house, income and a marriage license.

The same folks who sought to ban prostitution were the same ones who fought for Prohibition, which did nothing but help organized crime get a foothold in this country, and which was so unsuccesful that it was done away with. Trying to regulate morality never works!!
06/12/2009
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
(EF Review Program Mentor)
It is interesting to note that prostitution was once legal and policed by the state. This was during the civil war when the rise of syphillis was so extreme that the North nearly lost the war due to the sickness of it's troops. To curb this the state stepped in and began requiring the prostitues submit to an examination and testing to ensure they were "clean" upon which time they were legally able to practice their "trade". They could charge a higher premium and were protected from physical abuse and theft. Brothels that could show 100% compliance were frequented by higher paying clientel and the incidence of venereal disease dropped to marginal levels. After the war the ladies of the Women's Christian Temperance Union attacked the laws and got them repealed where upon the incidence of VD climbed back to its former glory. There's a lesson there but so far not many are willing to learn it...
07/21/2009
Contributor: Raven Raven
Quote:
Originally posted by Airen Wolf
It is interesting to note that prostitution was once legal and policed by the state. This was during the civil war when the rise of syphillis was so extreme that the North nearly lost the war due to the sickness of it's troops. To curb this the ... more
Ain't it the truth. Good post!
07/23/2009
Contributor: imp imp
It's been decriminalized here in NZ and it works well link
08/11/2009
Contributor: Raven Raven
Quote:
Originally posted by imp
It's been decriminalized here in NZ and it works well link
I think that's great. I would like to know how many countries have actually decriminalized it, and how well it's working for them, not that the great ol' USofA will ever follow suit.
08/13/2009
Contributor: Sir Sir
I do believe that because it's not legalized and made mainstream that it's bastardized and made into something worse than it actually is and should be. It puts the prostitutes in danger as well as the people ordering/picking them up. If governmental officials stepped in and made it a safer practice as well as put regulations on it, it would make the business a lot better for those involved in it.

And no, I am not for a lot of what currently comes with prostitution in the U.S. The rape and killings, the abuse and misuse. I also don't find it necessary when prostitutes come onto people not wanting their services (I've seen this quite often around where I live, and have had it happen to me). That's why I feel that it should be regulated. Practices that are currently happening aren't right.
09/29/2009
Contributor: Sir Sir
Quote:
Originally posted by Sir
I do believe that because it's not legalized and made mainstream that it's bastardized and made into something worse than it actually is and should be. It puts the prostitutes in danger as well as the people ordering/picking them up. If ... more
I forgot to add my actual answer: yes, it should be legal.
09/29/2009
Contributor: Bill Ditchburn Bill Ditchburn
(Leatherbeaten)
Quote:
Originally posted by LikeSunshineDust
I'm not sure about this. I completely agree that a consenting adult should be able to have sex in exchange for money. But I live in Rhode Island where prostitution is legal as long as it takes place indoors. You can't sell yourself on the ... more
I don't think it's the legalisation of brothels that has created this situation, which also exists in "prohibitionist" states, but it sounds like the state authorities are not following through. Legalisation of brothels is only the first step, after which they need to be licensed, regulated and inspected frequently on a random basis.

There are indeed too many evil people who exploit others, but in my opinion, the typical government attitude of criminalisation and pretending it's not happening just increases the scale and scope of exploitation. So many times bad shit happens because no one is looking. Legalise it, regulate it, tax it and shut down any place that doesn't comply with standards. There will almost certainly still be problems with marginal establishments, but they are far more like to be the exception than the norm, as is the case now.
10/17/2009
Contributor: deceased deceased
If it was liscenced and regulated, the sex workers were disease and drug tested, yes.

We have alot of prostitution in Hawaii, a lot of "hostess bars" a lot of rapes and a lot of pimps and young girls stolen by pimps for sex slaves. Most of the gals are on meth. Its a sad life. If they get beaten or raped or robbed, its not like any other job.

When I was in Philly, there was a massage parlor above pretty much evey business on Arch Street. Many of the gals are illegals.

I also think they should make mail order brides illegal.
10/17/2009
Contributor: Darling Dove Darling Dove
Yes I think it should be legal and strictly regulated. It's not as if its not possible, since there are very regulated and safe places in Vegas, at least according to Penn&Teller's Bullshit.
I think that turning a blind eye and acting like cause you refuse to see it it doesn't happen is just stupid and it's a mindset we, as a country and as a collective species should be over and done with. We aren't ostriches, but that's exactly what we act like when it comes to any supposedly dirty issue.
10/18/2009
Contributor: Viktor Vysheslav Malkin Viktor Vysheslav Malkin
I voted other for one reason.

I would like it to be legal, but in safe clean, and regulated environments. I have no plans to ever go to a pleasure house but that is just my opinion.
12/30/2009
Contributor: Viktor Vysheslav Malkin Viktor Vysheslav Malkin
Quote:
Originally posted by deceased
If it was liscenced and regulated, the sex workers were disease and drug tested, yes.

We have alot of prostitution in Hawaii, a lot of "hostess bars" a lot of rapes and a lot of pimps and young girls stolen by pimps for sex slaves. ... more
I second everything Misha said. Sorry for the double post, but I somehow missed Misha's post, and Misha sums up my thoughts perfectly
12/30/2009
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
Absolutely not. It is much different than dates which involve a lot of money. That is courting. It enhanced crime in a society.
12/30/2009
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
Quote:
Originally posted by deceased
If it was liscenced and regulated, the sex workers were disease and drug tested, yes.

We have alot of prostitution in Hawaii, a lot of "hostess bars" a lot of rapes and a lot of pimps and young girls stolen by pimps for sex slaves. ... more
Good point.

Mail order brides are illegal btw.
12/30/2009