Inspires by the DNA database of men that use prostitutes thread

[LilBB]

Does anyone think that prostitution should be legalised? I wonder if we had a system similar to that in Holland would women would be able to work in safer environments and report attack without fear of recrimination. It would also provide income for the government, although I don't think it would be a huge amount and I think the safety of sex workers is more important than extra income tax. On the other hand would it make any difference to those that have drug problems/sex trafficking? Are there women who choose prostitution and would therefore benefit from legalisation?

agree with dit.

I'm not sure that I think legalising it is a good thing I was interested to hear opinion. I mention the tax revenue as it was something I read about a while ago in article about holland. Im also thinking about sex workers such as escorts rather than just people forced in to it. Thats why I asked if any women choose it as they would be the ones I think would benefit from legalisation. I also wonder if anyone thought it would make any difference to the most vulnerable.

LilBB - legalizing has been shown to worsen the situation. It does not work as a harm reduction measure.

Where prostitution is legalized, illegal prostitution increases in volume, as does child prostitution.

Myths and Facts about Trafficking for Legal and Illegal Prostitution

That is very interesting and informative reading Beachcomber. Thanks for that. I think i had heard most of those myths before without understanding the truth. As Dittany says, and the article, it seems the only logical way to protect prostitutes would be to decriminalize them and prosecute the pimps and punters.

You're welcome.

I agree that the only way to improve things is to prosecute the perpetrators.

If you're interested in the subject in general, there is a lot of good info on this website.

www.prostitutionresearch.com/

Prostitution is legal already in the UK.

Certain aspects of it are illegal like soliciting on the street or working in a place with other prostitute/s.

TBH the fact that working with one or more others being illegal has always bothered me - as aren't prostitutes likely to be safer if they are not forced to work alone? I mean, if it's going to be legal in some circs, why exclude the only thing that might make it safer?

Does anyone know the theory behind why it is illegal when prostitution is not?

It is because that is how the UK law defines a brothel - more than one person available for paid sex.

Yes but why are brothels illegal - what's teh logic?

Is it because people don't like living near to brothels?

I think it is in an attempt to keep a lid on things.

The law currently accepts that a person has the right to sell sex. However it is known that brothels are controlled by pimps, organised crime and traffickers. As these activities are illegal, so are brothels in an attempt to control the illegal activities of the above.

Legal brothels would also be used for money laundering purposes for illegal activities.

Then there is, as you say, the fact that most people don't want to live/work near a brothel

Thanks beachcomber.

Thanks for the info. I think until I posted this thread I was rather naive about prostitution. I apologise if my original post was offensive, it was not meant in that way. I am deeply saddened by how women (and children) are abused, raped and forced to sell their bodies yet nothing seems to be done about it.

I am going to spend the evening reading up about it. Makes a change from my Cathy Kelly!

Your OP wasn't offensive LilBB.

Most of us are pretty naive about prostitution - if people really knew the extent of the human damage, it would be difficult to justify in any way the current tolerance of most countries for this human rights travesty.

This website is good too if you are wanting to read up. www.uri.edu/artsci/wms/hughes/mhvint.htm

Good analysis here;

www.uri.edu/artsci/wms/hughes/mhvlegal.htm