Legalizing Prostitution.

[Crystallas]

Ive seen this debated many times. But I'm curious about how those who have a more economic view on things feel.

Sofar the argument is that prostitutes dont pay taxes in most case and in most places. But the events happen no matter if they are legal or not. Similar to many illegal immigrant situations, but very diffrent at the same time.

So the debate isnt about whether prostitution is right or wrong. Its going to happen no matter what.


I have mixed feelings myself. I see one argument being that if legalized, it becomes more-so socially acceptable than it is now. But I see another argument being that it could be regulated. Meaning that if you were seeking services, you would go to an escort that had proof of health, rather than seek someone dirty.

I do feel cheated as a taxpayer to see all of this money going under the table and causing violence, which then gets taken care of by tax payer money.... viscious cycle.

What is the view on the topic from the FS forumers?

[Broken Arrow]

Yikes! A sticky issue indeed.

I for one want to see it legalized. Legal or not, prostitution has been with us since the beginning of human history, and will be with us for as long as there are humans still around. My personal opinion anyway.

So, why not legalize it, regulate it so that the industry can get proper health care and legal protection while paying proper taxes for the profession?

Win-win.

I can understand the moral objection, but to me, that makes all the more sense to legalize it so that it can be controlled as opposed to being out of control and running underground the way it is. I just think that it doesn't make business and even social sense not to give it the proper industry regulation that it requires.

[rob62521]

Although morally I'm against prostitution, I agree we should legalize and regulate it. The idea that taxpayers pay in the end is so right! I'm wondering if drugs should also be legalized. Perhaps if they were more available, the desire would lessen.

[pyotr]

While we're at it, why not legalize and regulate under-age drinking. It's been around since forever and it's going to happen whether we keep it illegal or not also. We could certainly charge extra taxes on 6 to 18 year-olds who drink. I'm sure little kids are going to be just as good a citizen about paying the taxes as your neighborhood ho would.

[meenah]

yes and tax it higher, like a luxury tax and require strict health codes. i dont think that it will be done more if it is legal. people will still protest it (like with abortion) if it can be regulated it perhaps prositiutes will be safer.
many prfessions are people using their bodies for a service others will pay for.
construction, massage therapy, exotic dancing, vocal artists,
. regulating things help things stay safe. yes it will be used and paid for. everyone who utilizes the services will benefit from the safty and health.

[toys]

I think this whole debate sidesteps the real issue: sex is taboo. Until we, humans, can admit that we have an inherently sexual nature, it's won't matter if prostitution is legal or not... it will always be viewed as 'lesser' activity. I believe in highschool, I spent all of a couple weeks gaining any actual education of sexual activity - hardly enough to keep a girl from getting pregnant as a teenager, muchless make educated choices about it. You can't just make prostitution legal and expect the masses to accept it, prostitutes will always be viewed as dirty as long as sex retains the same connotation.

As much as I would love to argue prostitution should be legal, I can't... I think we have a long way to go first. As a society we need to accept human nature -- something we've ignored longer than man's oldest profession. Maybe, though, we could ease into it... with Geisha girls, for example... by remembering the art of seduction is as much a part of our nature as sex.

Btw, if you wanna learn a lil more on the subject, here's a documentary film, Working Girls, that will give you a real day in the life kinda view of this field. (If you wanna find this film, try your local University library - rather than the local video store)

[PrincessPerky]

Personally I think we should legalize it and not regulate it. what a man or woman does behind closed doors and for how much is non of my concern. I'll keep my nose out of your bedroom if you keep yours out of mine.

The only exception I would make is children, and sorry there is no fancy rite of adulthood, so we might as well stick with the arbitrary age of 18, younger than that you don't get in the 'adult conspiracy'.

As for children drinking does it seem odd to anyone else that you can vote 3 years before you can drink? apparently an 18 year old is responsible enough to decide the course of American government, but not responsible enough to drink....

[markio26]

we need to look at the issues from a different point of view.... the kids are smarter, faster, more intelligent and can make alot of their own decisions.. i learn from them everyday...on the other side of the coin, some kids are plain losers and choose the wrong path, due to drugs, or abuse from family, when they were growing up.. alot join the military to get away from home... and do change their lives for the better... i think the schools should teach parenting classes, drug abuse classes, and other real issues so they are educated to react to different challenges they may face alone in the real world.
good comments guys, thanks for posting.

[veronak]

You know I did a research paper on this very same topic about 3 years ago, and some areas in Nevada as we all know has legalized prostitution. What people do not realize is if it is legalized and regulated by the state (women must use condoms, be tested for std's etc) is that the STD and HIV virus was far less than those of states that do not. Do the research for kicks an you will be surprise. Me personally I would not do it but I feel like if you are adults who obviously agree then what is the problem, women do it any way for example for promotions. I just think that there are other things to worry about than if women choose to sell their bodies

[CRFSaver]

Originally Posted by pyotr

While we're at it, why not legalize and regulate under-age drinking. It's been around since forever and it's going to happen whether we keep it illegal or not also. We could certainly charge extra taxes on 6 to 18 year-olds who drink. I'm sure little kids are going to be just as good a citizen about paying the taxes as your neighborhood ho would.

Correct me if I am wrong doesnt every other country have lower drinking ages then the US and yet have less incidents of alcohalism?

[jmjj215]

Originally Posted by CRFSaver

Correct me if I am wrong doesnt every other country have lower drinking ages then the US and yet have less incidents of alcohalism?

I think pyotr's point was that it's not necessarily a good argument to legalize something just because it's going to happen whether you legalize it or not.

[Ima saver]

I vote yes too.

[Crystallas]

Originally Posted by veronak

You know I did a research paper on this very same topic about 3 years ago, and some areas in Nevada as we all know has legalized prostitution. What people do not realize is if it is legalized and regulated by the state (women must use condoms, be tested for std's etc) is that the STD and HIV virus was far less than those of states that do not. Do the research for kicks an you will be surprise. Me personally I would not do it but I feel like if you are adults who obviously agree then what is the problem, women do it any way for example for promotions. I just think that there are other things to worry about than if women choose to sell their bodies

So do they require a liscense and pay taxes for the most part?

[PRICEPLUS]

I think it is demeaning to the person who must do it. Granted that it is prevalent but why do people enter this profession? Would anyone recommend it as a choice for their own children and why not if you think it should be legalized?

It objectifies people and cheapens their person. I guess I have a different view than most but that is my viewof the issue!

[rob62521]

I would assume they enter the profession because of the money...I've read where they say they make a lot of money, far more than working minimum wage. It wouldn't be my cup of tea. I know we have a problem in our area with kids wanting to deal drugs because the money is a lot better than an entry level position. They don't look at the harmful things that can happen to them because they think it will never happen to them.

[Crystallas]

Would anyone recommend it as a choice for their own children and why not if you think it should be legalized?

I dont think someone chooses to work the streets because their parents recommend it.

I think of it like this; If my kid does it for some reason that is way out of my control. They can either A.) Do it illegally and get diseases, get killed, or get damn near killed. or B.) Do it legally, still have risks, but you have health coverage, get tested, and clients get screened.

Hmmm.. I'd definately want my non-compliant child to do it in a legal state.

[PrincessPerky]

Originally Posted by Crystallas

I dont think someone chooses to work the streets because their parents recommend it.

I think of it like this; If my kid does it for some reason that is way out of my control. They can either A.) Do it illegally and get diseases, get killed, or get damn near killed. or B.) Do it legally, still have risks, but you have health coverage, get tested, and clients get screened.

Hmmm.. I'd definately want my non-compliant child to do it in a legal state.

I'll ditto that..I don't want my girl (or boys) doing it, but if they do chose it, I would rather it was the safest route..kinda the difference between my kid working in a restaurant and my kid working in a 'regulated' one..less likely to be hurt if the 'safety rules' are followed..not impossible, but less likely.

[PRICEPLUS]

I guess my way of looking at the world is quite different. My brothers and sisters and I were brought up not to steal or accept charity. We were taught never to give up our dignity.

I'd rather be dead than give up my dignity. I'd sooner my child were dead than a prostitute.
In my world there are moral absolutes. Death comes to everyone but they can't have my dignity unless I choose to surrender it! I shall always choose not to do so!

Hard words? Yes they are. Life is hard and at times very unfair. How we conduct ourselves is up to us. Prostitution is worse than death. It is a slow dying. As this is more of a money board and not a morality board per se I'll just leave it at that. Folks just have a different way of looking at certain things.

[PrincessPerky]

Do you have a child? I have a ...dificult one. He is amazing, but oh so hard, and I can totally see him chosing many wrong things, they may be signs of my failures, but I wouldn't wish him dead for them..

Smoking is a slow death, I wont kill my kid if he decides to try it. No one killed me when I did it.

Depending on who you talk to I am slowly killing myself with chocolate and other 'bad for you' foods (mmm peanut butter and brown sugar on a spoon)...I cerrtainly hope my mother isn't thinking of killing me for it (or herself for much worse food!)

Needing help such as charity..again I have needed some before..got it from family..well that and some strangers.....I dunno would I be better off dead than here now? I never needed public assistance, but I did spend far to long sleeping in my car..cept when a boyfriend offered a place to stay......not selling myself..since I might have dated them anyway....

Yep pretty harsh words that you would wish me dead.....

but I forgive you (not that you need it), as I forgive myself for all the lousy choices I have made (and will make)

[PRICEPLUS]

PrincessPerky,

Yes I have children. Smoking and eating chocolate may kill you but you are not demeaned by doing so. I don't wish anyone dead least of all you. I don't sit in judgement on anyone as someone far greater than I will do it.

Family taking care of family ain't charity it is a duty. The hypothetical is would I rather see my child dead or a prostitute. I say the former. I love my children more than my own life. As I said death comes to everyone but they can't have your dignity unless you surrender it. Some things in life is worse than death. I love my children too much to see them treated in such fashion.

As for needing forgiveness..I am always asking the Lord for it cause he knows I need it. I ask your forgiveness if you thought I was wishing you anything but the best.