Legalizing prostitution

1212 Words3 Pages

Prostitution is the practice or occupation of selling sex for money. Elizabeth Johnson talks about the history of prostitution; starting during the Progressive Era. Prostitutes began to be seen as carriers of incurable disease this caused the Federal Government to pass the Mann Act, which happened in 1910. After the Mann Act was passed prostitution became criminalized throughout the entire United States. These new laws did not affect consumers of sex they affects the sellers and providers. Nobody fought against these laws. The few who did; saw no progress. This article recognized that the courts needed to recognize prostitutes and the “johns” equally at the very least (Johnson). Although many people oppose prostitution because they say it is degrading, morally wrong, and dangerous that is not the entire story some women choose it as a way of life not because they have to but because it is the lifestyle that suits them. Women who choose to be prostitutes should not be denied their rights as human beings.
First, prostitutes should not be denied their basic human rights just because of their chosen occupation. Many people are, “dismissing the entire sex industry as abusive and immoral which only exacerbates existing problems and tosses the concerns of sex workers aside”(Klinger 3). Although many people degrade sex workers there are organizations that help protect their rights and fight against the majority. One of the organizations that protect sex workers is called COYOTE meaning, “Call Off Your Tired Ethics” which promotes legalizing prostitution along with gaining basic human rights for prostitutes (Coyote). There are also organizations and groups against prostitution that say no matter what prostitution is unwanted and intrusive....

... middle of paper ...

...s support decriminalizing prostitution in order to protect prostitutes from, “fraud, abuse, and coercion” (Klinger 3). The concluding argument that Klinger makes is that women should be able to choose because that is the best choice for that individual woman. In Klinger’s concluding paragraph she states that these arguments are not just for women but, for all sex workers, male and female along with exotic dancers.
Although many people oppose prostitution because they say it is degrading, morally wrong, and dangerous that is not the entire story some women choose it as a way of life not because they have to but because it is the lifestyle that suits them. Women who choose to be prostitutes should not be denied their rights as human beings. Altogether all prostitutes should have the same rights and be abele to live under the same health care and protection as others.

Open Document