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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

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Original poster

proposed legislation in scotland - licensed saunas and legalised prostitution

409 replies

weeonion · 30/11/2015 12:32

A consultation is currently happening in Scotland to make charges to the laws around prostitution, brothel keeping and pimping. No matter what you think - it would be good to have your voice, experiences and opinions heard in this. They have just extended the deadline to the 8th December so if time has been an issue for you - you now have another week!

Responses prepared electronically should be sent by e-mail to:
[email protected]
Responses prepared in hard copy should be sent by post to:
Jean Urquhart MSP
Room M3.20
Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh
EH99 1SP
You may also contact Jean Urquart’s office by telephone on (0131) 348 5052

OP posts:
SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 16:08

How is me saying "I can accept that some people like yourself can't accept me or my choices" me not caring about forced prostitution?

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 16:16

I have found that many men have a problem /dislike toward prostitution and prostitutes. I believe this is partly because the patriarchy can't cope with the independence sex work brings to women. This is the only arena in which women have all the control and have the ability to turn their life around in a second, it gets rid of any financial dependence a woman may have on a man. A quick read of this forum shows what an issue that is of women being unable to leave violent or bad partners due to financial constraints.
I dont think that's something to take away from women.

(Obviously not in relation to trafficking victims/coerced women )

OneMoreCasualty · 10/12/2015 16:17

"I believe this is partly because the patriarchy can't cope with the independence sex work brings to women. "

I profoundly disagree with you.

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 16:19

Why?

OneMoreCasualty · 10/12/2015 16:19

I do not stigmatise prostitutes any more than i stigmatise those who sell a kidney to feed their families.

I stigmatise those who buy kidneys and those who rent orifices to wank into.

Please understand this point.

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 16:20

There's no shortage of escorts in UK greentom

OneMoreCasualty · 10/12/2015 16:21

I don't believe there would be prostitution in a society where women were seen as fully human and fully equal.

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 16:24

OK you may not, and for that thank you. But i don't know how often sex work or the topic of ittm comes up in your life but if it does you must be aware that there is a hefty stigma attached to prostitutes by many.
Just look at the comments I received questioning my mental health and autonomy on this thread

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 16:26

Casualty,

Can I ask what your reasons are for disagreeing with the reason some patriarchal men have a hatred/disgust for prostitution is because of the independence it brings some women?

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 16:27

There probably wouldn't be prostitution in an equal society I agree

Snowshimmer · 10/12/2015 16:33

Yes but do you really think that making sex work illegal is going to combat sexism?

Sneaky.
It is at least an important first step to have the law recognize women and girls as humans who should not be bought and sold by men like objects, by criminalizing punters.
It's a first step to equality that men do not see women and girls as goods to buy and consume like hamburgers. I know the attitude of punters towards women and it's horribly ugly.

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 16:37

The laway does recognise that. Trafficking and controlled prostitution are illegal in UK.

But sex work is a choice thats legal because how equally wrong that some patriarchal society should tell me what I can or can't do with my body .

grimbletart · 10/12/2015 16:48

Interesting discussion.

Tell me Sapphire: if what you do is a job like any other do you think that it should be advertised at the job centre and women encouraged to fulfil these jobs rather than remaining on benefits? And if you don't think sex work should be advertised at job centres why not?

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 16:51

I don't think it should because no one should be coerced to have sex with strangers.
It is a job like any other to me because I am happy to and choose to

grimbletart · 10/12/2015 16:55

But it's a normal job isn't it? That's the point you have been making.

OneMoreCasualty · 10/12/2015 16:56

A society where women are viewed as inferior to men is patriarchal.

You agree that there wouldn't be prostitution in an equal society.

So it's logically inconsistent for you to see prostitution as a challenge to patriarchy.

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 16:58

I would never deny sex work is not for everyone, on the support forum for escorts there's information for those considering it that includes reasons not to and the escorts are completely forthcoming in pointing out that this work could be bad for a member if it seems so and that they're struggling.
But for those of us who are completely happy in our work it honestly feels no different to doing a shift as a waitress

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 17:01

It is a normal job. But it's certainly not suitable for everyone.
I'm happy in it and it's just another day at the office for me.
In the same way being a surgeon, soldier or actor is normal. But I certainly could not do those jobs

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 17:03

Yes it's not logical but all I can say s I've known men despise me for what I do and I felt it was that way because of the freedom and independence I have which they didn't like

grimbletart · 10/12/2015 17:06

I agree with you Sapphire, it is not logical. Are you sure some men despise you for your freedom and independence and not some other possibly subliminal reason?

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 17:08

It was exes actually grim.

So can you understand now the concept of sex work being a normal job to those of us who find it normal?

OneMoreCasualty · 10/12/2015 17:09

agree with Grimble. Also, was it you being a prostitute or you being a woman who could support herself through work, IYSWIM?

OneMoreCasualty · 10/12/2015 17:09

X post

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 17:10

It was in relation to discussion of my job. I'm not under any illusions there'll be a multidutude of men and women out there who dislike me for a very
add variety of reasons. You do seem to be trying to stir things a bit here

SapphireStarfish · 10/12/2015 17:10

Bit of both probably casualty.