Decriminalization of Prostitution
In the United States, 49 states declare prostitution illegal, Nevada being the exception (“Sex Offender Attorney”). Prostitution is a subject that questions society’s morality. Prostitution, according to Merriam Webster Dictionary, is defined as: “The practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment”. Should those who choose to sell their body for money have the right? Prostitution, for those who willingly choose to do so, should be legal. Prostitution should be accepted on the premises that: legal prostitution may reduce crime related violence, other occupations exploit employees much like prostitution does, and finally, a person has the right to choose how to use their body.
Illegal prostitution unfortunately can lead to violence. According to Business Insider, “A study of San Francisco prostitutes found that 82% had been assaulted …show more content…
With that being said, so are numerous other occupations that are legal. In Michael LaBossiere’s blog, “The Ethics of Prostitution”, he states “The exploitation of the workers by Burger King is acceptable, because they do not exploit their workers as badly” (LaBossiere). Both prostitutes and Burger King employees are exploited. Both are making less than a higher power and working hard to make a profit for a company or person. But, because the level of exploitation between the two differs, one is considered immoral. Some might say that these two examples cannot be compared, because prostitution is illegal and working for a fast food company is not. But, take for example the adult entertainment industry. Men and women are performing sexual acts, and in return, receiving payment. What is the difference between this and prostitution? Both examples include people being exploited, yet, only one is legal. So, if prostitution can fall into a level of exploitation that can be considered moral, it should therefore be
In the United States, 49 states declare prostitution illegal, Nevada being the exception (“Sex Offender Attorney”). Prostitution is a subject that questions society’s morality. Prostitution, according to Merriam Webster Dictionary, is defined as: “The practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment”. Should those who choose to sell their body for money have the right? Prostitution, for those who willingly choose to do so, should be legal. Prostitution should be accepted on the premises that: legal prostitution may reduce crime related violence, other occupations exploit employees much like prostitution does, and finally, a person has the right to choose how to use their body.
Illegal prostitution unfortunately can lead to violence. According to Business Insider, “A study of San Francisco prostitutes found that 82% had been assaulted …show more content…
With that being said, so are numerous other occupations that are legal. In Michael LaBossiere’s blog, “The Ethics of Prostitution”, he states “The exploitation of the workers by Burger King is acceptable, because they do not exploit their workers as badly” (LaBossiere). Both prostitutes and Burger King employees are exploited. Both are making less than a higher power and working hard to make a profit for a company or person. But, because the level of exploitation between the two differs, one is considered immoral. Some might say that these two examples cannot be compared, because prostitution is illegal and working for a fast food company is not. But, take for example the adult entertainment industry. Men and women are performing sexual acts, and in return, receiving payment. What is the difference between this and prostitution? Both examples include people being exploited, yet, only one is legal. So, if prostitution can fall into a level of exploitation that can be considered moral, it should therefore be