The Decriminalization of Prostitution
by Genevieve Castonguay

Image courtesy of Babble.com

Some deem it dirty, immoral, sinful and dangerous. To others it’s victimless, acceptable, and a viable source of income. Prostitution has supporters and resisters internationally remaining strong on both ends of the spectrum. Certain nations have legalized it, while others stand fervently opposed. The world’s oldest profession continues to be a vital branch of the sex industry generating over $100 billion annually on a global scale.

Prostitution is defined as “the act or practice of providing sexual services to another person in return for payment.” But prostitution has been found in many cultures dating back centuries. In the Ancient Near East, “houses of heaven” were commonplace and prostitution was regarded as sacred. Even in Renaissance Europe during a time when the Roman Catholic Church strictly opposed sexual activity outside marriage, prostitution was accepted as a tolerable alternative to dispel compulsions of rape, masturbation and sodomy.

History doesn’t always define present-day circumstances, though. As a society, much has changed including the general regard towards women and more affluent laws defining what is legally acceptable. Today, in nations like Sweden and Norway, prostitution is considered a form of exploitation and it’s illegal to buy sexual services, but not to elicit them. In the Netherlands and Germany, prostitution is regulated as a legal profession. In many Muslim countries, it’s prohibited with both prostitute and client facing severe penalties.

Canada is one of the nations that technically doesn’t deem prostitution a crime, except that most activities surrounding it are. For instance, working within or operating a brothel, soliciting in a public place and being found in an establishment with those purposes are all criminally punishable acts. In the U.S., all but one state (Nevada) declares prostitution illegal and classes it as a misdemeanor.

So what are the pros and cons of such a profession and should the laws be amended either way? The cons to decriminalizing prostitution are hard to ignore. It demeans and degrades both the client and prostitute. Human trafficking of both women and children in third world countries and Eastern Europe is alarming and would continue to drive and promote despicable sex slavery acts. Profits gained through the “sex trade” often are recycled in other criminal activities. Sexually-transmitted diseases and HIV are difficult to monitor now and after legalizing prostitution, there may be a higher exposure to those risks.

On the pro end, many believe that prostitution is not a crime based on merit if it’s agreed to by two consenting adults. Decriminalization would better protect people in the sex industry from abuse and violence. At present, police units have task forces working solely on the industry, catching clients and prostitutes. Once apprehended, it’s a costly and often ineffective system. Legalizing prostitution would eliminate wasted dollars as licensed properties and guidelines would be enforced.

At the end of the day, there are lists of reasons on both sides that could ignite debate. It’s a subjective and controversial topic that will most likely never find a happy medium.

Decriminalization, Genevieve Castonguay, Nevada, oldest profession, prostitution Hide