Prostitution: Should it be legalized in San Antonio? (crime rates, how much)

[Soviet]

Why or why not? What are the reasons for it and what are the reasons against it?

[FutureBrennanDad]

I think it should be legalized with alot of controls in place, ie. HIV testing not only for the Prostitutes but also the johns, the location should be such that it would not affect children or tourists. It is the oldest profession.

[TexasRedneck]

Murder is the oldest crime, too - should we therefore legalize it?

Simple answer - no. Period. No discussion/arguement - some things are simply wrong and don't deserve protection under the law. I know it's old fashioned, but some folks do have morals...

[goodmanm]

Having been to and seen it in places where it is legal (Amsterdam, Germany) I do understand why it is legal there but I have to say I have a daughter and would not want her to be doing it so I am against it.

[majormadmax]

Legal or not, moral or not, prostitution is going to happen anyway therefore it may be better that it is legalized and regulated (such as licensing and health checks) as it is in such places as Europe...

Plus, that way the county can tax it and keep our property taxes from going up!

If both parties are consenting, I consider it to be a victimless crime; therefore the comparison with murder is not a valid argument. It is not the same as debating the legalization of drugs considering that alcohol, which has the same effect on a person, is OK under the law. The legalization of certain drugs such as marijuana for personal use could certainly be controlled and taxed the same way alcohol has, and much like prostitution it could have a great impact on the illegal aspects of its use.

But heck, this city and state can't even fathom how much money could be made on the legalization of gambling much less ever consider prostitution and/or marijuana...

And before anyone begins the tales of individual addictions, the truth is that the legality or illegality of any vice has never served as an effective deterrent against its use! Just compare Chicago’s insane gun laws and crime rates to see that making guns illegal has had no effect on criminals using them!

[stoneoak]

Originally Posted by majormadmax

If both parties are consenting, I consider it to be a victimless crime; therefore the comparison with murder is not a valid argument.

as the wife of a lying, cheating scoundrel who was unaware of his extracurricular activities for gawd knows how many years, I would highly disagree with this being a victimless crime. Thankfully, I will walk away with my health in tact. Other spouses who also thought they were in a trusting relationship are not so lucky.

Of course, the same diseases could also be picked up by say, the slew of military tramps who have no problem bagging a married father of two. (hi carrie!) But, prostitution just exasberates the problem don't you think?

Men in general are selfish, lying, cheating bastards. Let's not promote that behavior anymore than we have to.

[Mom2Feebs]

Originally Posted by majormadmax

Legal or not, moral or not, prostitution is going to happen anyway therefore it may be better that it is legalized and regulated (such as licensing and health checks) as it is in such places as Europe...

Plus, that way the county can tax it and keep our property taxes from going up!

If both parties are consenting, I consider it to be a victimless crime; therefore the comparison with murder is not a valid argument. It is not the same as debating the legalization of drugs considering that alcohol, which has the same effect on a person, is OK under the law. The legalization of certain drugs such as marijuana for personal use could certainly be controlled and taxed the same way alcohol has, and much like prostitution it could have a great impact on the illegal aspects of its use.

But heck, this city and state can't even fathom how much money could be made on the legalization of gambling much less ever consider prostitution and/or marijuana...

And before anyone begins the tales of individual addictions, the truth is that the legality or illegality of any vice has never served as an effective deterrent against its use! Just compare Chicago’s insane gun laws and crime rates to see that making guns illegal has had no effect on criminals using them!

Ugh. Well, I agree with the Chicago thing...but your first point is lost entirely on me. BOTH parties? Which ones would that be? The hooker and the man, or the man and his wife? Or perhaps the hooker and the wife? I mean, let's face it, escorts and streetwalkers are almost entirely visited by married men. Exceptions, yes, but they are FEW. So...consenting adults? Yeah, that's kinda crap to me.

Originally Posted by stoneoak

as the wife of a lying, cheating scoundrel who was unaware of his extracurricular activities for gawd knows how many years, I would highly disagree with this being a victimless crime. Thankfully, I will walk away with my health in tact. Other spouses who also thought they were in a trusting relationship are not so lucky.

Of course, the same diseases could also be picked up by say, the slew of military tramps who have no problem bagging a married father of two. (hi carrie!) But, prostitution just exasberates the problem don't you think?

Men in general are selfish, lying, cheating bastards. Let's not promote that behavior anymore than we have to.

Yikes. *spits out coffee* Holy schnikes. Bitter? I mean, because on one hand I agree with you, but your argument is so lost in your anger, so very deeply that I'm guessing you're in weekly therapy for it?

[majormadmax]

The crime you are the victim of is adultery, not prostitution.

(By the way, if the "military tramp" is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, she is guilty of violating Article 134— Adultery regardless of her marital status).

And while I can understand your bitterness based on your experience, as a faithful husband and father I do take offense of your broad categorization of all men as being "selfish, lying, cheating bastards!" I've known numerous women who have cheated on their husbands, but I would never categorize the entire gender negatively because of it.

As for prostitution "promoting that behavior," it doesn't anymore than alcohol contributes to alcoholism. The decision to abuse the substance, whether booze or prostitutes, is that of the person. Just because it exists doesn't mean it's to blame, no more than guns kill people.

And since prostitution is not legal at the moment, and there is infidelity going on, then the correlation just isn't there!

Lastly, in your particular instance, a prostitute wasn't even involved; so I don't know why you think it had any impact. It's apples and oranges, and I stand by my position that the legalization of prostitution would be more beneficial in such was as regulating and controlling it, then leaving things as they are with it still going on unchecked…

[stoneoak]

we'll agree to disagree max and, as usual, am dumbfounded by Mom2Feebs

[Mom2Feebs]

Originally Posted by stoneoak

we'll agree to disagree max and, as usual, am dumbfounded by Mom2Feebs

Hey, don't worry. Most people are in awe of my genius on a daily basis.