There are two sides to the argument for prostitution, but a person typically only
sees one side of the argument without recognizing the other side. For example, some pros of the legalization of prostitution are economic benefits, safety for the fancy lady, and most likely a reduction of crime with government control. Some pros of keeping prostitution illegal would be improved public image of a city due to less open sex work. Also, with prostitution being illegal, crimes like murder, kidnapping, and trafficking would be less possible, as sex workers are less inclined to line the streets out of fear of prosecution. To solve some of these issues while still making it fair for both sides of the argument, prostitution should be decriminalized. So, while it may still be frowned upon by the government, those who partake in the act of prostitution would feel safe enough to get the help that they need from the government, and the government would regulate it.
Changing the Law
People who feel strongly about the legalization of prostitution would argue that it is a good thing and beneficial for those who use it as a way to survive, as it is one of the only choices for income for some. It is unfair that they do not get the protection or freedom from the government they deserve. It’s also good for the economy, of course; people don’t pay taxes on the money they make from prostitution, because it’s still illegal. Prostitution still puts jobs in the area it’s happening in. Also, the people making that money will most likely spend it somewhere where they must pay taxes on the services or goods they purchase. But legalizing prostitution would also give the government the right to tax the money being made, making it even better for the economy. Legalization would also lead to the working lady getting justice for crimes committed against them. The criminalization of sex work makes sex workers more vulnerable to violence on the job and less likely to report violence. It prevents sex workers from accessing health care and other critical services, feeds an out-of-control mass incarceration system, and further marginalizes some of society’s most vulnerable groups, such as trans women of color and immigrants. This is another prime reason why it should be legal, because with government regulations, legalized prostitution would make it a lot easier for the prostitute to feel safer with what is already one of the more dangerous jobs. Also, not every prostitute has to be on the street. It seems that many have an issue with street soliciting because of the way it makes an area appear. Still, prostitution in Nevada is legal in some areas but is also heavily regulated. It is illegal to solicit in the street, so streetwalkers do not operate legally. So by having sex work facilitated digitally, to the naked eye, it won’t even look like anything is happening.
No problem, why change?
An alternative perspective on this topic is keeping prostitution illegal. When considering why not to legalize prostitution, there are many factors to consider, like how it makes an area look, for example. When growing up in the suburbs—or anywhere, really—you don’t want to have a random prostitute standing outside your home leaning on the closed street lamp with their leg out. It is not only a problem of appearances, but having something like prostitution in your local neighborhood may bring your property value down as well. Another factor to consider is the woman or man prostituting themself: Of the estimated 600,000 to 800,000 people trafficked across international borders annually, 80 percent of victims are female, and up to 50 percent are minors. Hundreds of thousands of these women and children are used in prostitution each year. Legalizing prostitution would also lead to the rates of crime increasing: “In countries that have legalized the sex trade, legal has attracted illegal. With popular support, the authorities in Amsterdam have closed down much of the city’s famous red light district — because it had become a magnet for criminal activity” (Moran). Overall, prostitution should stay illegal for the many factors that come into play, like high crime rates, the safety of those in the industry, and the way it makes an area look.
Decriminalize for a compromise.
To solve some concerns regarding prostitution, the government should decriminalize it, giving the government back the control it once had when legal. With prostitution being decriminalized, the government would gain opportunities like heavy regulation, not only offering the government leverage but also catering to the prostitutes in question. It benefits both in scenarios, for example, if the prostitute is robbed of their earnings. “Criminalization constantly undermines sex workers’ ability to seek justice for crimes against them. Sex workers in South Africa, for example, said they did not report armed robbery or rape to the police. They said that they are afraid of being arrested because their work is illegal and that their experience with police is of being harassed or profiled and arrested, laughed at, or not taken seriously. Even when they report crimes, sex workers may not be willing to testify in court against their assailants and rapists for fear of facing sanctions or further abuse because of their work and status”
Additionally, the working lady would be able to access the right resources for themselves to use the proper protection, ultimately helping decrease the spread of STDs “Prostitution in Nevada is legal in some areas but is also heavily regulated. It is illegal to solicit in the street, so streetwalkers do not operate legally. Nevada allows each county to determine its prostitution laws, and they vary greatly. A typical county that allows prostitution only allows licensed brothels. Brothel owners pay a fee for a license. The prostitutes themselves must undergo mandatory testing for STDs, and the use of condoms is also required”. Even in the government’s case, they could regulate how they would like things done, for example, by having different penalties for the broken regulation’s severity. Also, some may argue that it’s a part of free will. Although we as people in America have free will and nothing can stop us from doing what we want, there are still laws to follow to have a functioning economy, but it’s one of those “my body, my choice” arguments. And from a religious standpoint, the Bible states, “God’s gift of free will and love”. So for those who may believe it’s morally wrong, it is arguably still not your decision to make, and it is instead the individual’s. So even though some people and the government may frown upon it, they should still allow it, especially with some regulations they could instate.
Summing it up
In conclusion, the decriminalization of prostitution would be a good middle ground for the argument for and against prostitution. Decriminalization would lead to a government able to control issues like trafficking and crime, making America a better place and also ensuring safety for those in the industry by allowing access to justice and proper precautions for the job.