My gift to BOTB: Prostitution

easjer05 · March 2009

Should prostitution be made legal?

If so, should it have registration requirements, health screening requirements and so forth?

tri047 · March 2009

No. I think its all around nasty even with health screenings. Although, I DO understand the points as to why it should be legalized.

Nervous_bride · March 2009

Hmmmmm..... This could be interesting.

I personally do not agree with prostitution. However if it were to be made legal I believe that alllll of those items mentioned should be made requirements for it to be done that way.

Will be interesting to see which way this leans.

*Shay*

buckin · March 2009

Nope. Have you ever read the J.D. Robb series of mystery books? it has legal prostitution that is controlled by the government or whatever..you have to apply for licenses etc. It's a little freaky.

greenclown · March 2009

This is one of those things I haven't really thought about and would need to hear thoughts from both sides before I could decide. ?My first thought, though, is that it's going to happen whether it's legal or not, and maybe it would be safer for everyone involved if it were regulated. ?I still think it's disgusting, though.?

oh-zysbaby · March 2009

Damnit, Eas, I thought you were going to prostitute yourself to US! You got me all excited!

?

This is a very interesting question though - I think my initial reaction would be yes, with the appropriate regulations (screenings, protection, etc). It beats the hell out of all the poor women in the world living under the thumb of a pimp. No pun intended.?

lo45fd98wq32 · March 2009

It's one of those things that occur anyway, so I'm not too sure. I'd rather marijuana be legalized and taxed first.

staycee · March 2009

even if it were legal and regulated, doesn't mean all hookers would follow the rules and regulations.

Schwandy · March 2009

Yes, I think prostitution should be legal. It is two consenting adults and if some man/woman is dumb enough to pay for it then I say let them. I do also think it needs to be regulated and would actually be safer for both individuals if it were. ?

jennabee13 · March 2009

Weird. The hubs and I were just debating about this the other day. Recently in Minneapolis they started posting photos of busted Johns on electronic billboards across the metro.

He thought that was a bit much, and I told him that cheating husbands need to know they can't get away with it forever.

But as far as making it legal - I can see from both sides. It'd be nice to have it regulated to prevent spread of disease and keep the ladies from getting their asses beat by their pimps.

But also - that's gross and I don't think it should be legal.

JAllen32 · March 2009

On one hand, I think it is pretty disgusting and couldn't imagine doing that. But on the other, I believe that it is your body and you should be about to do with it what you want. If that is what you want to do, it shouldn't be against the law. You are only hurting yourself. I do think all those things should be a condition of it, your basically considered self-employed.

Now here is another question, if it were legalized, should it be considered private? Like dr. and lawyers have confidentiality, would prositutes have the same thing. Or would it be open so police or whoever could look into records of clients?

RachelG83 · March 2009

No. Thinking of all the unwanted children that are born in this country already I don't even want to imagine what it would be like if prostitution were legal.

And this comment...

My first thought, though, is that it's going to happen whether it's legal or not, and maybe it would be safer for everyone involved if it were regulated.

... kinda like being a drug addict right? Doesn't mean it should be legalized so that those involved would be safer.

greenclown · March 2009

RachelG83:
No. Thinking of all the unwanted children that are born in this country already I don't even want to imagine what it would be like if prostitution were legal.
And this comment...
My first thought, though, is that it's going to happen whether it'slegal or not, and maybe it would be safer for everyone involved if itwere regulated.
... kinda like being a drug addict right? Doesn't mean it should be legalized so that those involved would be safer.

Yeah, I didn't say anything about drugs. ?The question was about prostitution. ?Thanks, though.?

RachelG83 · March 2009

staycee:
even if it were legal and regulated, doesn't mean all hookers would follow the rules and regulations.

and this.

Mrs.EmmaLouise · March 2009

I think it should be legalized- its going to happen either way. If it was legal we could have close health monitoring/screening on all the workers. Also- it would help stop child prositution. Most prosititutes start at a young age such as 15 or 16, so regulations could help keep children just that: children.

JAllen32 · March 2009

RachelG83:

No. Thinking of all the unwanted children that are born in this country already I don't even want to imagine what it would be like if prostitution were legal.

Good point! Should BC be one of the regulations? I mean something like depo or iud, bc not just condoms. They would basically have to have "Proof of BC"! lol

easjer05 · March 2009

I'm personally torn.

On one hand, if someone wants to sell their penis or vagina for something, I don't see why the government cares. Regulation and licensing would provide for safer interactions and cut down on the time police spend in tracking the prostitutes and their clients (and subsequently in prosecting and jailing them).

It's something that happens anyway, and if the government regulated it, then it's more easily taxed.

On the other hand, the number of prostitues that could afford licensing fees and regular check-ups is probably pretty small. Few prostitutes get into it because they like sex so much. So it would likely simply sweep the majority into blackmarket trade, which would continue much as it does now. So would it really solve anything?

And who will check up on the government sanctions? It seems it will cost money any way you look at it.

But on the whole, it seems Nevada does ok, doesn't it? The grossness factor doesn't weigh into my decision, and the government legislates many things I personally find distateful.

Nervous_bride · March 2009

"Now here is another question, if it were legalized, should it be considered private? Like dr. and lawyers have confidentiality, would prositutes have the same thing. Or would it be open so police or whoever could look into records of clients?"

Interesting spin on things...it would be considered a profession at that point and the "johns and johnettes" are considered "clients" so you would have to brooch the subject of client privilege I suppose???

Which makes this whole thought process soooo much more creepy to me.

Although Jennabee I wonder too if posting faces on Johns on the billboard is taking it a bit to far? Although I agree cheating husbands should have figured it out by now that they can't get away with it forever either.... I am so split and on the fence.

Awesome topic!

*Shay*

Alex17 · March 2009

I live in Nevada. It is legal here, but there are many regulations.

You can't just be a hooker on the street, that form of prostitution is still illegal. There are brothels outside of city limits though.

I don't know all the details. So don't ask me a lot of questions! Stick out tongue

MrsErinnElizabeth · March 2009

It's legal in this country.

Street prostitution is illegal, but liscenced brothels are allowed. They are pretty discreet and you don't see hookers out on the street ever, so I don't have a huge problem with it.

It seems like anything else...once it's legal, it's not 'as big of a deal' if you KWIM.

Jason'swife · March 2009

That's a tough one. While I am obviously morally opposed to it, the law isn't really stopping anyone from doing it. So we might as well legalize, regulate, and tax it.

I feel the same way about marijuana.

Alex17 · March 2009

Jason'swife:

That's a tough one. While I am obviously morally opposed to it, the law isn't really stopping anyone from doing it. So we might as well legalize, regulate, and tax it.

I feel the same way about marijuana.

ditto.

Jason'swife · March 2009

RachelG83:

No. Thinking of all the unwanted children that are born in this country already I don't even want to imagine what it would be like if prostitution were legal.

I don't see how the legality issue would effect accidental pregnancies. If anything I would think they might go down. You know... availability of birth control at the mandatory health screenings and all. I think you need to re-think that one.

easjer05 · March 2009

oh-zysbaby:
Damnit, Eas, I thought you were going to prostitute yourself to US! You got me all excited!

Ha. No, I doubt my husband would appreciate it. Although, I would like to pay off my credit card. . .

Schwandy · March 2009

I also agree with Jennabee that putting Johns on the billboards is a bit much. Sure the man cheated, but I wouldn't want my H's face on a billboard because of it. It is our business, not the entire city's.?

RachelG83 · March 2009

Jason'swife:
RachelG83:

No. Thinking of all the unwanted children that are born in this country already I don't even want to imagine what it would be like if prostitution were legal.

I don't see how the legality issue would effect accidental pregnancies. If anything I would think they might go down. You know... availability of birth control at the mandatory health screenings and all. I think you need to re-think that one.

Just because it'd be available doesn't mean they'd use it. If it were legal more people would be joining in and taking part in it which would boost the number of pregnancies regardless of bc being offered. And bc isn't 100% anyway so no rethinking necessary.

Jason'swife · March 2009

And another point: (sorry, I always think of something else 2 seconds after I hit "post")

It's not like if it were made legal suddenly everybody is going to want to be a hooker and suddenly society is going to get totally out of control. We're basically just talking about de-criminalizing something that people are going to do regardless. And spending money that is currently being utilized for under cover stings, keeping people in jail, court costs, etc for things like medical screenings. In terms of the number of prostitutes there would be no change. The issue is how we want to spend our money and focus our energy.

Schwandy · March 2009

Jason'swife:
And another point: (sorry, I always think of something else 2 seconds after I hit "post")
It's not like if it were made legal suddenly everybody is going to want to be a hooker and suddenly society is going to get totally out of control. We're basically just talking about de-criminalizing something that people are going to do regardless. And spending money that is currently being utilized for under cover stings, keeping people in jail, court costs, etc for things like medical screenings. In terms of the number of prostitutes there would be no change. The issue is how we want to spend our money and focus our energy.

All this. ?

Mrs.EmmaLouise · March 2009

If it did become legal- would we be forgiving all the people who have been convicted of prostitution charges? Either buying or selling?

lo45fd98wq32 · March 2009

Jason'swife:

And another point: (sorry, I always think of something else 2 seconds after I hit "post")

It's not like if it were made legal suddenly everybody is going to want to be a hooker and suddenly society is going to get totally out of control. We're basically just talking about de-criminalizing something that people are going to do regardless. And spending money that is currently being utilized for under cover stings, keeping people in jail, court costs, etc for things like medical screenings. In terms of the number of prostitutes there would be no change. The issue is how we want to spend our money and focus our energy.

You. Are. Brilliant.

MrsErinnElizabeth · March 2009

I don't think people 'use' it more if it's legal at all. I think by making it legal, some of the 'excitement' of finding a prostitute gets taken away. Instead of bragging to other guys about getting prostitutes, people tend to be embarrassed about it here. I mean, if anyone could do it, it's sort of seen as a pathetic move. Like you can't get it elsewhere. KWIM?

When I was a backpacker (when I first got here), I worked in a sandwich shop that was down the street from a brothel. The brothel girls used to come in all the time for sandwhiches...I even had to deliver them there sometimes! Everyone was just suprisingly cavalier about the whole thing. It was just another place of business.

easjer05 · March 2009

People would not be forgiven for past crimes, in most cases, unless the legislation was written that way or there is a loophole. Just because a law is changed doesn't mean the law that existed previously wasn't broken.

Now if the question is whether or not they should be forgiven, that is a separate issue (to which I say no - my speeding ticket doesn't get refunded if the speed limit is changed to 85, as I was legally speeding when it was issued).

I doubt very much that legalized prostitution would result in a higher rate of unwanted pregnancy, since prostituation currently exists, albeit in illegal forms. I would rather think that the access to birth control would be higher and that with regular screenings, the women would be more likely to detect pregnancy quickly.

I would be concerned about a potentially higher rate of HIV infection and STD transmittal, personally, even with additional screening.

And again, I don't think that legalizing it eliminates street-walkers. If you have to pay for registration, pay taxes, pay for regular health screenings, then you will likely have to charge more. There will still be desperate prostitutes willing to charge less or who can't afford the fees associated with legalized prostitution. And they would still be subject to criminal prosecution for prostituting without a license.

So would legalizing prostitution really solve anything?

MattysGirl81 · March 2009

softskate31:

I thought it was legal in Nevada...that's why all the "vendors" hand out the calling cards (aka. "street porn") to get poeple to use their ladies...maybe those are just for "escorts"...hmmm

to answer the OPs ?

YES - although i find it immoral and degrading to the person who has been paid for - it is the choice of 2 consenting adults - and if both are healthy and use appropriate protection it should be allowed. Also - i don't think it is a wise way for our gov't to be spending prosecution $$$ when there are many many more violent criminals out there who need to be monitored more.

It's not legal in Clark County (where Vegas is), however it is legal in a neighboring county. I'm quite sure it happens all the time here anyway though.

I've never really given it much thought. I suppose that if we're dealing with two consenting adults, then why not? They're only hurting themselves. To be perfectly honest, I don't really care about making it safe. If a man is dumb enough to sleep with a woman for money, he knows what he could be getting into. I don't think it's the government's place to ensure his safety. If he contracts some sort of disease, that's his problem. But I'm big on personal responsibility, might just be me. It's similar to the seatbelt law. I always wear my seatbelt, regardless of whether or not it's the law. If someone chooses not to, it shouldn't be the government's place to step in and force it.

MattysGirl81 · March 2009

Jason'swife:

And another point: (sorry, I always think of something else 2 seconds after I hit "post")

It's not like if it were made legal suddenly everybody is going to want to be a hooker and suddenly society is going to get totally out of control. We're basically just talking about de-criminalizing something that people are going to do regardless. And spending money that is currently being utilized for under cover stings, keeping people in jail, court costs, etc for things like medical screenings. In terms of the number of prostitutes there would be no change. The issue is how we want to spend our money and focus our energy.

Exactly. Do you think there are a lot of women out there who want to be prostitutes yet don't because it's illegal? I doubt it. Once someone has made that decision (generally because she is in such dire straits and it seems like the only way to make money), she's going to do it regardless of legality.

Mrs_Liberto · March 2009

I haven't seen this issue mentioned in this thread yet, so I'll weigh in. I tend to agree that there is a tradeoff in costs. Easjer had very valid points and so did Isha/Jason'swife about legalities, court clog and costs, etc vs. the rise in the price of services rendered.

I support legalizing it, simply to give prostitutes a way out of sex trafficking. My logic is this: Hundreds of thousands of women in this country are kidnapped/sold illegally and brought to the US for illegal prostitution rings. Many of these women are under 18 and have fake passports/visa documents.

If the US suddenly guarantees that the laws will work with women who've been turned into prostitutes, rather than against them (via prosecution, etc), I feel that we have a much better chance at combatting sex trafficking here. Instead of being terrified of leaving their Johns and being arrested because of it, women will be much more likely to turn in their Johns/go to police and hopefully break the cycle of violence.

All that being said, I don't think, from a Constitutional basis, that the Federal Government has any business legalizing prostitution nationally. It should stay a states' rights issue. Period.

mickey1330 · March 2009

buckin:
Nope. Have you ever read the J.D. Robb series of mystery books? it has legal prostitution that is controlled by the government or whatever..you have to apply for licenses etc. It's a little freaky.

I own all the books in that series, it's without a doubt my favorite. And though prostitution is legal in it, they still have their fair share of prostitution problems.

rebus82 · March 2009

Yes. Not hooker-on-the-street prostitution, but heavily medically screened, heavily inspected brothel type prostitution. Tax it all to hell and make certain things are required (all STD tests, condoms, etc) for all workers.?

I firmly believe, like abortions, prostitution will always happen. It is the world's oldest profession after all. You might as well legalize it so you can keep the people, both buying and selling, safe while making some money for the state.?

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