Legalizing prostitution would decrease the social stigma of sex work. Prostitution is something that’s gonna happen anyways and it doesn’t usually include immediate risk for those who participate in. Of course legalizing wouldn’t solve all problems but when it’s illegal the focus is on trying to make it stop rather than taking care of the workers. People do dangerous work all the time but regulation can make it safer. Why is prostitution different?

no-amanda:

I wish it worked that way, but it doesn’t. I live in a country with legalized prostitution and work unions for prostitutes, yet there is still a gigantic social stigma. As a prostitute, you are being paid to transform into an object, a commodity for someone who is willing to use you. I think stigma would never disappear from that.

Prostitution is something that’s most likely going to happen at the moment, because there are people willing to pay for sex. This is why we should work towards a society in which people understand that individuals are not purchasable. If someone does not want to be friends with you, does not want to marry you, does not want to love you, does not want to donate you their organs or does not want to have sex with you -then you cannot replace that denied consent with money. This is a capitalistic fantasy and it is an extremely dangerous idea in a society that thrives on the lack of equality, like the one we currently live in. It leads to inevitable exploitation. Full legalization will lead to normalization of this exploitation.

You say that prostitution doesn’t usually include immediate risk for those who participate in it. There are, however, no statistics to back that up, but lots of research that tells otherwise. This study, for example, says that 71% of prostitutes have been physically assaulted and 89% would leave the trade immediately. Many experience PTSD. Even in countries with legalization, like the Netherlands, it has not lead to significant fewer incidences. The idea that it would lead to safer environments seems to be false. 

If you wish to read more about it: Here are some more common myths with fully researched answers. Here you can read more facts about prostitution. I would also highly recommend Rachel Moran’s book about the subject.

I do not support full criminalization, because that would have negative consequences for prostitutes. However, I support the nordic model, in which pimping people and paying for sex are criminalized, but prostituting isn’t. This way prostitutes can always look for help without fearing the government or the police. Combined with the increased investments in exit programs, this seems to reduce stigma, fear and crime the most.

I have replied to a remark like this one before here, where I talk a little more about the subject and link to more articles, would you be willing to find those.

Thanks for reading.