Poll: Prostitution

[The Infamous Scamola]

We were debating this issue at schoool, and I thought it would make an interesting topic.
So, I would like to know what my fellow Escapists think of the whole issue.

Do you think that legalising prostitution would be a helpful way of getting rid of the criminal element? If not, why?

Also, what do you morally think of the whole prostitution concept?

 

[Maze1125]

Most prostitutes are forced into it by circumstance or some bastard.
Punishing people who are already at the lowest point of their life seems rather pointless.

So no, being a prostitute shouldn't be illegal.
On the other hand, visiting a prostitute, or being a pimp, should be.

 

[Megacherv]

They need the money. Guys need the sex.

I think George Carlin said this but I'm not sure...
"Why is it illegal to sell something hookers can give away?"

If they have STDS, then the guy should be smart enough to ask and make a rational decision.

My friend, teach me your wise ways of thinking

 

[kommando367]

visiting a prostitute, should be.

Why

 

[Cpt_Oblivious]

Being a pimp should be illegal.
Prostitution should be illegal if they're forced to do it, if it's their choice it should be allowed.

If they have STDS, then the guy should be smart enough to ask and make a rational decision.

What kind of idiot would have unprotected sex with a hooker anyway?

visiting a prostitute, should be.

Why

Because it gives them the right to sell themselves but still keeps it illegal. Poiltical Correctness & shit.

 

[Anachronism]

Prostitution should be legal; pimping should not.

I have no problem with it if the woman chooses to become a prostitute, but if someone else forces her into it, that's just... sick. It's third-party rape, in a way, if that makes any sense at all.

 

[GothmogII]

Most prostitutes are forced into it by circumstance or some bastard.
Punishing people who are already at the lowest point of their life seems rather pointless.

So no, being a prostitute shouldn't be illegal.
On the other hand, visiting a prostitute, or being a pimp, should be.

Fundamentally I don't disagree with either selling one's body or paying for sex to use another's. However, like you said, many are pushed into such a situation with few other options, that is why it's wrong.

Like most things, organised prostitution could probably use a bit of better regulation. Cut down on sex slavery too.

 

[Trivun]

They'll never get rid of it. It's the oldest profession in the world. Making it legal would not only reduce the danger and problems that are faced by prostitutes now, but also reduce the influence of pimps and criminals selling people for sex. It would make sex-trafficking a lot easier to deal with, and those who choose prostitution won't be punished for basically doing something that they have every right to do. Why should there be a problem if a girl is willing to take money for sex from someone? It's only the ones who are forced into it that need the law involved, and that's only for their own protection. So I say, yes, make prostitution legal. It's the best way to sort out the problems associated with it once and for all.

 

[Ignignoct]

We were debating this issue at schoool, and I thought it would make an interesting topic.
So, I would like to know what my fellow Escapists think of the whole issue.

Do you think that legalising prostitution would be a helpful way of getting rid of the criminal element? If not, why?

Also, what do you moraly think of the whole prostitution concept?

I'll spare you.

Conservatives: "Of course not! It's morally reprehensible and disgusting"

Liberals: "Prostitution exists whether you like it or not, we should regulate and tax it so we put pimps out of business and ensure the women are STD-free."

Conservatives: "BAH! Good luck getting the government to properly regulate ANYTHING! We'd simply be legalizing sin and failing to control it. I'd much rather leave it to the scoundrels and let them rot in their wickedness."

Then both sides go ad hominem and let TV pundits control the debate with sensationalist motivations, and we're left at square one. IT'S ALL MEANINGLESS!

/wrists.

Also, something about trafficking human slaves, but those people aren't American so that's not too "catchy" of a grab line.

 

[SeleneRose]

Organized state sancioned prositution ftw?

 

[Littaly]

What kind of debate did you have in school? Was it about whether or not it should be legalized in the way it is in the Netherlands and Belgium? Or was it like many above me have stated, to acknowledge the prostitutes as victims and the people who buy/manage as the criminals?

 

[garfoldsomeoneelse]

Prostitution should be legal; pimping should not.

I have no problem with it if the woman chooses to become a prostitute, but if someone else forces her into it, that's just... sick. It's third-party rape, in a way, if that makes any sense at all.

Seconded.

 

[Skeleon]

It's already legal where I live, so "other".

 

[unsmart]

If prostitution were to become legal I would like to see heavy regulation of the industry. Hopefully it would be regulated so far as to insure that the brothels are clean, the streetwalkers would have frequent checks for STDs, and they would insure that the prostitutes aren't forced into it in any way (besides wanting money).

I'd think a regulated prostitution industry would also lower demand in the human slave trade.

 

[Cliff_m85]

Legalize and regulate prostitution.

Actually there is a brilliant Constitutional argument for it. Stari Decisis would definitely help it.

Basically if I can be a total slut and go to a bar, pick up 10 people, and bump uglies...why can't I ask to be paid by some ugg in the bar for a half and half?

 

[Bowl Full]

I don't know which side I'd take but I think maybe it shouldn't be legalized. It could affect the men or women who aren't prostitutes but dress like it.
Let's take Paris Hilton, for example. *IF SHE WEREN'T A PROSTITUTE.
Let's say, in this case, she isn't a prostitute but she dresses like one. It would offend her greatly if someone stopped their car, waved money at her, and asked her to get in. I bet she'd sue or something.

Morally, I guess, it's wrong. But I really don't care as long as they keep it their business and keep it out of mine. It's one of those things you can't really stop even if it's illegal or legal so why bother?
BESIDES, WE HAVE PORN. BE HAPPY, YES?

Also, I just want to say that moral value is useless and I wouldn't take it into account on issues like this. Morals are just what people think are "right" or "wrong" and thus is biased.

 

[Agayek]

So no, being a prostitute shouldn't be illegal.
On the other hand, visiting a prostitute, or being a pimp, should be.

Why? They have a service they want to sell, why make it illegal when no one involved is unwilling?

I agree with those in the thread that forcing women into prostitution should be illegal, and punished severely, but that's slavery, not prostitution.

Edit:

Also, I just want to say that moral value is useless and I wouldn't take it into account on issues like this. Morals are just what people think are "right" or "wrong" and thus is biased.

Anyone with the slightest bit of sense will tell you that's wrong. Morals are universal standards everyone should be held to, regardless of situation, religion, or upbringing. The stupids of the universe pervert them into supporting their cause, which is why there's so many "morals" that disagree with each other.

Personally, I see morality as the Law of Equal Freedom [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_equal_liberty], but some people will disagree, in my experience mostly because they violate it frequently and want to feel better about themselves.

 

[Cliff_m85]

We were debating this issue at schoool, and I thought it would make an interesting topic.
So, I would like to know what my fellow Escapists think of the whole issue.

Do you think that legalising prostitution would be a helpful way of getting rid of the criminal element? If not, why?

Also, what do you moraly think of the whole prostitution concept?

I'll spare you.

Conservatives: "Of course not! It's morally reprehensible and disgusting"

Liberals: "Prostitution exists whether you like it or not, we should regulate and tax it so we put pimps out of business and ensure the women are STD-free."

Conservatives: "BAH! Good luck getting the government to properly regulate ANYTHING! We'd simply be legalizing sin and failing to control it. I'd much rather leave it to the scoundrels and let them rot in their wickedness."

Then both sides go ad hominem and let TV pundits control the debate with sensationalist motivations, and we're left at square one. IT'S ALL MEANINGLESS!

/wrists.

That sounds more like a Libertarian argument than a Liberal one. All the Liberals I talk to tell me "No, that's degrading to a woman".

 

[SeleneRose]

Ehh, it'll never happen, too resource intensive, too controversial
Brave new world