why is prostitution illegal?

I appreciate your posing this question.
I wish more people would question things that seem out of kilter, and quit just accepting things that feel wrong.

yes... even that is a start-- like you said.....

unfortunately things illegal have all kinds of unpleasant branches that stem off of the base....
like girls that claim they are 18 when only 15 and being prostituted.(and no one really checks-- it's the money or the sex they are more interested in, not the well being of the girl) Men use them and then go to their 14 year old daughter's soccer game and take all the girls out for pizza-- how "effed" up is that? ....maybe if it was legal-- officials would be regulating it and thoroughly checking the age of the prostitutes-- that would be a good thing(IMO)

I appreciate your hopeful pondering... I do very similar.
I so don't want anyone to be treated unfairly, to feel less than, to be abused by those with more power/money.

fins

I think it's a good topic and I'm not sure where I stand opinion wise because there's pros and cons on both sides. If they would legalize it, then wouldn't it end like Holland or Nevada where there's a special area in a town- this would be a problem because no one would want it in their neighborhood.

This is off topic, but it really sizzles me the way some countries in the Orient(can't remember which ones) have child prostitution. Men from North American will plan trips specifically for that. Sadly it's actually a tourist attraction....grrr

It's about honor, and veiling the holy vessel. I'm sending you the references of old.

It does fit into the thread though, because in ancient times, prostitutes went about without any veil or head covering, thus showing their refusal to be in submission to God or any man, a type of early feminism perhaps?

Not to be confused with the correct reference person, Samson (Thanks, JD :-)

I think in any male/female interaction involving money, business, etc. the female is (still) going to be at a disadvantage because power is still with males.

thank you purple fins I'm with you as not wanting anyone to be treated unfairly. Unfortunately, it happens every day.....

AkAngel, you're right...it was HIV I meant, not all STD's. I forgot a bit of what I used to know.

As for the other thing you commented on, I think most women don't choose to go into the profession; a lot do, but I think far more often, teenagers (especially runaways from a bad home environment) meet up with pimps, who take them in and make the girls or boys feel they need the pimp, and then it turns into abuse and cruelty.

I read a book called SEX WORK or SEX WORKERS, a while back, all writings by women who have prostituted, escorted or worked the streets, not all negative, but most were.

All good and thoughtful responses here. I've refrained from writing a response because my personal opinion is that prostitution is a subjugation of women (or men) who offer themselves in the sex act for money. Yeah, I know it's the "oldest profession" and I visualize those footsteps in Pompeii..follow to the brothel. But I still think it's sad.

These are just some random thoughts...

I think prostitution would be "liberating" for women. Why would I think such a thing? Well, if prostitution would be legal then it would be woman's choice to sell her "services", she would then be in control. She has a service a man wants, he pays for it. Like buying a car. Take his pick, pay for it, everyone is happy. She pockets the money and he leaves with a smile.......

There still is a huge "moral" issue to all of this.. But then why would it be a moral issue when morals generally are not considered when "dating". Free sex is ok? But to pay for it is not? Before ya know it, one has slept with l0 different folks or more. So what then is wrong with legalizing prostitution. Only difference here might be the feeling if one has "feelings" or say "I love you", then sex is ok...??? not a moral issue then.. right? Why would it then be a moral issue with prostitution..

Sex is used to sell cars, food, clothing and perfume..almost everything. Put that sexy girl or sexy man in front of a bottle of $200 perfume and the perfume sells really fast.. We are scraping our pennies to buy that perfume and the manufacturer is laughing all the way to the bank..

One of the reasons it's a moral issue is because many married men hire prostitutes. Maybe some women think if it's legalized, it would make it easier for men to cheat IDK.

Good point lynn. Forgot about the married men.. hmmmmmmmmm... now what? Dern men should stay home where they belong.. But some don't. Have to think on this one.. hmmm .. card them at the gate... shrugs shoulders

My mom says that in Germany it is legal, and they actually check the "girls" for STD. If the "girl" is clean she's tagged. At least that's the way it was when we were over there, and I was in preschool then which was about 20 years ago. It may have changed.

I dunoo... I know I sure do.

and I know a man can control his boner, but his URGES, yes. Maybe in ancient times this excuse could have been good enough but this is the 21st century and that excuse is long gone, guys like that are now usually called sex offenders.

I can't agree with this, if a woman's husband, or a husband's wife were cheating with them on a prostitute then that person is a piece of trash lol.

Legalizing prostitution isn't going to make it easier, it wont even make a difference. It's easy to have sex with a woman for free, I know at least 5 females I could get down with if I wanted for free. Besides if you're married to someone good and you take care of your lover bother emotionally and physically you shouldn't have anything to worry about. You know?

The majority of people who see it as a moral issue probably have low self esteem and are paranoid.

Hopefully they still do lol. If they were to legalize it in America then check the females/males for STDs monthly, it would be a good system, that's what they do with pornstars

Is prostitution maybe a form of "getting back" at men. Make them pay, make them pay big time? Do those who prostitute now really like sex that much to have sex several times a night? But then if they are "high dollar" ladies then they only have sex once a night. Would a prostitute enjoy her job? But then how can a man really enjoy "sex" with a woman that prob had sex with a another man a few hours earlier?

Guess I am just thinking too much.. Am thinking I'd make a lousy prostitute. I got really "irked" when a guy asked me if I'd do a three-some. Fire spit from my eyes and he got the point without my having to verbalize the "no". lol Just because I could not do it, it should not make it wrong for those who want to prostitute? right?

I am so inceredibly shocked by all the people who seem to think legalizing prostitution would be a good idea!!!!! (not putting down anyone's opinion, I am just very surprised)

Early in this thread someone compared pornography to prostitution. I would like to use this comparison to point out a few things: Pornography is legal, and it's legalization has done nothing to control the horrendous abuse throughout the industry. Pornography participants (both women and men) are often underage. They are often supplied with false id by directors, producers, and co-stars. They are often coerced into participation by abusers. Many suffer from drug addictions, and many have a variety of mental illnesses. This puts them in the position of being unable to make any kind of informed choice about their participation. Many are physically, sexually, and emotionally abused by the people they work with.

I know many people have expressed the idea that legal prostitution would eliminate pimps. I think all it would do would be to give them a new title: boss, manager, sir. A whole new set of loopholes for abusers to jump through and continue harming others.

I believe you have something here lynn, I was pondering the same thing and then I saw you posted my thoughts.

I think the idea of prostitution being illegal puts SOME married women's minds at ease as they feel their husband doesn't want to be arrested when also being a "slime". Sure he could take off his ring and go dating-- but then there's the risk of the other woman calling him and the wife finding out and the other woman finding out there's a wife.

So in either scenario there is risk for the man.

BUT-- if prostitution was legal everywhere--- there would be a lot less risk for the man... and thus.. some women/wives would have more "fear" to deal with in their relationship. (the fear that she's not enough, that he won't be faithful...etc...etc...)

fins

In a million years I could never see how prostitution would be "getting back" at men. let me see...... here give me some money and I'll give you just about ANYTHING you want physically-- I'll call you a hero, a god, give you a massage, please you to the nth degree with no strings attached. I will, 95% of the time, get no sexual release for my own body. And having different emotions, being a female, I will stuff them away for this and you -to give you pleasure, to make you feel important-- all attention focused on YOU. (kind of like a naked therapist!) AND --- I won't get acknowledged for the good service I do by society--instead I will be degraded,shunned.... people will sneer at me and regard me as trash.
Yea-- sounds like women are really getting back at men (no offense to you radioflyer-- I just wanted to make a point, that I don't see any benefit that women reap here except money... that's it.... many in the industry commit suicide, have drug addictions and other sad human afflictions due to being degraded... so I truly don't see any "getting back" on the women's end.... it's more men getting back for a woman hoping to be sexual-- IMO..... she gets degraded, arrested and shunned)

-----how can a man really enjoy "sex" with a woman that prob had sex with a another man a few hours earlier?----

this is where some men live in the "now"-- that's all that matters-- NOW. and also they have no emotional attachment to this "thing" they use for pleasure, so it's not thought of in that way-- like a girlfriend, or wife would be... whom they are emotionally attached to.(IMO)

hope you understand radioflyer-- I meant no disrespect towards you at all.... I so appreciate your rolling all this around in your head.

best regards
fins

Gr3tta

I couldn't agree with you more!
it is a catch 22 here though-- as far as I can see..... damned if you do make it legal and damned if you don't....
so I think some of us are just trying to go the route of least harm....
it's all harmful(IMO)....
it saddens me to think some people want to treat others like animals ---with no emotional connection, no regard for the other's emotional well being...... just use them for their own benefit....
it is sick....
but it is here and has been here for a long long time....
so what is one to do?....
keeping it illegal hasn't helped any either, has it?.....

I truly wish it would all have NEVER ever existed..... that all humans were respected emotionally and treated with empathy and understanding...
but....
sadly it does exist ......

fins

Gr3tta... you have made some really good points. In fact, everything you wrote is an eye opener. You mentioned things I never thought about and makes me think...Anyway, I am the one that compared porn to prostitution and pimps....I know very little about porn and prostitution.

Is always good, in my opinion, to get a variety of ideas, being for or against something. Then instead of having "tunnel" vision one can gather all the information and step back and see the whole picture.

One way of looking at it, if prostituion is legal, it might put a damper on the "underground" nasty stuff. And then again, if prostituion was legal, the authorities would have more time on their hands for breaking up the illegal use of minors and all the underground stuff that slips through the cracks????

These are just thoughts to throw out..So much to really think about....Think I will make a list.. The pros and cons of legalizing prostitution...

Again, my reasons for legalizing prostitution are that it would provide a safer environment for those who would choose this way to earn a living...One problem with this is would it confine prostution to just the "brothels"... Or would the bored housewife or anyone for that matter, take up prostitution on the side for extra income? hmmmmmmmm

Yes, purple fins, you made excellent points. I guess I was searching for a reason why a woman would get involved in prostitution.. As you said, it looks like it is just for the money. And she reaps no rewards. She is shunned and degraded by society...So then in the long run is the money worth all the pain? Survival and pain equals prostitution...

Think I will do a search on prostution in Germany. Maybe get a better idea as to how this whole thing works....

I am like you as in wishing prostituion never existed. Or that abuse never existed. And that minors/children would always be safe...

Hi fins! Sadly, many prostitutes have gotten into the business for just this reason, though I am much more apt to agree with you. Often women entering the sex trades think that they will have the power, the money, the control and in more cases than you might think, they do.

Another lifetime ago I was asked to manage a strip club to get the drugs out before the city closed it down. I did. Many of the girls who worked for the club got involved in prostitution. I didn't stop caring about them when they left and I usually followed their progress, or rather their decline. Some of the girls would come back looking to give it up, but not as many as I might have hoped. Too, homeless and alone, prostitution was my wifes only means of support beginning at fourteen years old. This paragraph was just my way of assuring you that I'm met more than a couple upon which I base my opinions, without leaving you with no explanation other than I was a customer or a pimp.

Prostitution has a similar allure like drugs. At first the people think they are in control and it enhances their lives, giving them confidence, money, power etc. Most people don't start doing drugs believing that it takes more than it gives - but it does. Some of us might not be able to understand why some people would start to take meth or crack - and surely the people taking it don't do so thinking, "Well this will destroy my life - lets do this."...same thing with prostitution. I've never seen a girl come out of a choice of prostitution better than she went in but alot of them, I'd even say the vast majority of them, think it will when they start.

I have italicized a bit of your response. I do not think it is a fair assumption to say that if someone takes care of their partner physically and emotionally that partner won't cheat. I may do the right thing, but it doesn't mean that my partner is going to. Cheating is based on a variety of things, but I don't want to assume it is a fair reaction to not getting your emotional or physical needs met as you want them to be.

On the cheating thing...if a man (or woman) wants to cheat, (s/)he'll cheat, prostitute or no prostitute. I wouldn't blame the prostitute because a married man goes to her, I'd blame the man.

There's a company (possibly more than one) that helps people (men and women) cheat on their spouses and significant others. They have all kinds of thing set up to help cheaters get away with it. If you're a cheater and want your wife to think you're hanging out at a hotel when you're really partying away, you can give your wife a phone number to the hotel...only it's not to the hotel, it's to the company, who answers the phone as if they're the hotel (like, "Good morning, LA Hilton, how may I direct your call?"). They have ways to help you, the cheater, to hide your actions, and even help people meet people to cheat with.

I'm not sure prostitution could ever become legal because it's selling one's body, kind of like slavery? One could argue that a construction worker is selling one's body but that's actually selling one's labor the body does whereas sex is part of the body, not something separate. Even legal, there would still be pimps/mesdames and "organization" and the whole crime element I think. I think it would be harder to protect children from being prostituted by their parents if it were legal.

I think the number of prostitutes that are prostitutes because that's what they want for their lives is extremely small. I don't think legalizing prostitution would help the poverty/desperation/drug problems associated with the act?