Should Prostitution Be Legalized?

[Mdlx]

Some people might say prostitution should be legalized because its going to continue whether its legalized or not. They also might say the government should tax the hell out of it, like 300%. I would have to agree somewhat

I do not believe there would be many more young girls going into a career of prostitution than there are currently. I mean, i don't think the fact its illegal at the moment is the reason they aren't doing it. Its more the fact of if it fits into their list of morals or not.

[roberta]

Originally Posted by jmarquise

it should be legalized today. I can't believe this is not an issue in washington. what a joke. you can give it away for free, but you can't sell it? where's the rationale in that?

I can bake cookies in my kitchen, and give them away to the neighbors, or to anyone--but if I try to charge for them, I am told I need to get a license, have my kitchen inspected, have the proper equiptment, ect. By giving them away, I am showing my love for those I choose to have them, Selling them, means I have to make a buck, and all of the pleasure of giving freely disappears. Sure, you can give sex away--or you can sell it. The business of selling it, certainly cheapens it, and makes it common, uninteresting, and meaningless.

[jtur88]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

To trade money or security for affection is prostitution.

So, you think sex and affection are the same thing? Do you have sex with your pets. then? With your grandmother?

[Langlen]

Originally Posted by roberta

I can bake cookies in my kitchen, and give them away to the neighbors, or to anyone--but if I try to charge for them, I am told I need to get a license, have my kitchen inspected, have the proper equiptment, ect. By giving them away, I am showing my love for those I choose to have them, Selling them, means I have to make a buck, and all of the pleasure of giving freely disappears. Sure, you can give sex away--or you can sell it. The business of selling it, certainly cheapens it, and makes it common, uninteresting, and meaningless.

However, it doesn't mean it should be illegal to prostitute. Like you said, the moment you start selling it, you need licenses, inspections, etc. Why not apply that concept to the prostitutes?

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by roberta

I can bake cookies in my kitchen, and give them away to the neighbors, or to anyone--but if I try to charge for them, I am told I need to get a license, have my kitchen inspected, have the proper equiptment, ect. By giving them away, I am showing my love for those I choose to have them, Selling them, means I have to make a buck, and all of the pleasure of giving freely disappears. Sure, you can give sex away--or you can sell it. The business of selling it, certainly cheapens it, and makes it common, uninteresting, and meaningless.

To some folks getting free cookies is not available.

A licensed cook with an inspected kitchen and clean equipment would at least be an option.

[GregW]

Do Congressional lobbyists need licenses? Now there is prostitution on a grand scale. As far as sexual prostitution is concerned a gold digger marrying for money is just as corrupt as a part time *****. The latter just expects payment at the time of service.

Like dope, the trade should be legalized, regulated, inspected and taxed.

[forest beekeeper]

Originally Posted by jtur88

So, you think sex and affection are the same thing? Do you have sex with your pets. then? With your grandmother?

No, they do have slight differences.

I have many pets. They each show affection in different ways.

[njmike]

Originally Posted by MontanaGuy

Prostitution has existed for as long as civilization has existed and probably existed before that. It's always been seen as an important ethical and moral question and the overwhelming majority of societies have outlawed it.
I do think that prostitution should be legalized and I think I have some pretty good reasons for taking that point of view. First of all, consider the life of a prostitute in America or most any other nation, it's a life of misery and danger. Also look at the numbers of prostitutes who have been the victims of murder (remember the Green River Killer?). By the very nature of their business they're putting themselves into risky situations by getting into a car with a total stranger or whatever the situation might be. If prostitution was legalized it could also be regulated by the government, the safety of the women would be greatly improved because they wouldn't have to just walk the streets, they could work in an establishment for that purpose like the ones they have in Nevada. Health and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases could also come under strict guidelines which would include frequent testing for STD's and the use of condoms could be made mandatory. They could also be taxed like any other business.
The main point I'm trying to make is that prostitution is going to occur whether it's legal or not so the question I think we should be asking ourselves is which situation is better, women roaming the streets and putting their lives at risk or recognizing the fact that we as a society could greatly improve the quality of life of prostitutes by removing the criminal element in it?
I happened to watch a documentary about one of those places in Nevada a couple of years ago and they interviewed a number of women who do this for a living. These women were making really good money and enjoying this very unusual lifestyle. Not every woman wants to be a homemaker or live a traditional way of life. I really don't think that's such a bad thing.
Well, I know this one's going to get the tongues wagging on City Data so go ahead and let me have it! What is your opinion?

Sure it should be legalized. The government can then place as "entertainment" tax on it and bring in more money.

[daminos]

The question should be "Should Prostitution be DECRIMINALIZED?" Our rights are unalienable. When will Americans read (and understand) the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and, for that matter, the Bill of Rights?