Protecting Prostitution

  Prostitution, a trade that has been recorded since the age of the Roman Empire, is also the most highly stigmatized and least regulated. Due to the extensive history of prostitution it is safe to say it would be far more difficult if not impossible to eliminated it. Rather, the United States and other countries should look to legalize it rather than fight a never ending, and impossible battle. Other countries have legalized prostitution and it has come with good results, these countries include highly developed, first world countries such as Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands, and Australia (to a lesser extent). The time has come for the United States and other countries throughout the world to stop the impossible fight against prostitution and instead work to help these women and men in the trade by making sure they are treated fairly, and are given rights like any other working man or woman.  

   The first step towards legalizing prostitution must be the elimination of the stigma surrounding it. An example of this being done could be seen with the legalization of Marijuana. Until recently Marijuana was viewed as a highly cancerous causing criminal drug capable of destroying families and as Chris Farley would say “You’ll end up living in a van down by the river.” However, with extensive testing and trials marijuana was at first accepted as medicinal and, now in a few states as fully legal. The same baby step, can be seen to have already been taken in the United States in the form of strip clubs, which is arguably a double standard. It is also a legal business in areas outside of Clark Country Nevada (right outside Las Vegas.) This stigma can be eliminated through education on the subject, and the focus that legalizing prostitution is not about the buyer but, rather about the workers getting the rights and protection any worker deserves. 

     Countries such as Germany, and Denmark have had great results with legalized prostitution. With 2.5 million people in the sex trafficking trade, as well as it being a $58 billion-dollar industry, these countries have instead of fighting against the current have gone with it, making a profit, but more importantly protecting the rights of these workers who otherwise, would most certainly be exploited. Germany for example, has extensive laws and regulations surrounding prostitution in their country. In 2002 Germany implemented furthers regulations on prostitution allowing workers to sue for unfair wages. The law also gave them access to health, unemployment, and pension programs, essentially making prostitution as legitimate as any other job. Also, these workers are not held under any contract with the classical “pimp” and instead choose to work for the business and give a small portion of their earnings, which is monitored by law enforcement to ensure they are not being taken advantage of, for working at their establishment. Furthermore, the state can also regulate were brothels are located, as well as restricted the practice to adults over the age of 18. The state thus ensures the health and well being of these workers through access to state run health care and insurance but, also ensures they are not being taken advantage of through law enforcement. The buyer, but more so the worker is also protected as all participants are required to use condoms and, both parties must have proper medical documentation and adequate physicals to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

  In conclusion, the legalization of prostitution would not only create new sources of revenue for these countries, access to a new $58 billion-dollar industry, but far more importantly it would serve to protect the workers who either way will continue to operate in an industry that has withstood the test of time. It is far better to protect these workers than continue to fight against the current and let the workers be taken advantage of.