Arguments For And Against Legalization Of Prostitution

Arguments for Legalization of Prostitution

The issue of prostitution is one that has brought about debate in the longest time possible. Earlier on, prostitution was prohibited and those who engaged in the vice were treated as outcasts. However, in the recent past the same issue has been seen to be penetrating in the society and most people are now much more lenient in how the view the issue. It is essential to understand that due to the globalization, people are now able to view various issues from diverse perspectives thus making it possible for them to make much more informed decisions. This is because different societies have different views and informing the rest of the world about the same has helped improve and change certain opinions.

There are a number of arguments that have been developed for and against prostitution. One of the arguments that have been brought about by the supporters of prostitution is the fact that people should be able to decide what they what to do with their bodies¹. In this case, the argument suggests that adults have the right to choose whom they would like to engage in business with and whom they should not. By legalizing prostitution it will be possible for two consenting adults to have sex without any interference from the government or the society. It is assumed that adults have the capability to make their own logical decisions and thus there is no need for any other party to interfere². However, in this case, it must be noted that the proponents of the legalization of prostitution are not advocating for children to take part in prostitution. This is because according to the law children are not capable to make sound judgments and therefore first attain the legal age before they can be allowed to undertake part in the activities.

The other argument that proponents of the legalization of prostitution have brought about in their quest is the fact that it will help reduce the stereotype and the problems that those who engage in the practice face in their day to day lives. Prostitutes face a negative stereotype that they should not be part of the community and in this case find it difficult even to access the most basic services³. In order to ensure that this is halted, it is important for the government to allow for the legalization of the business as any other legitimate business. In this case, prostitutes will be able to access all services and prevent them from the problems they face from their clients. Some tales have been told of how prostitutes have been abused by clients after delivering their services yet they cannot access legal and medical services due to the nature of their business⁴. By legalizing the business, it will now be possible for those abused to present their cases to the necessary authorities for justice and medical attention. It is important to understand that all citizens despite their backgrounds have the right to access all the services offered by the government without any discrimination.

Arguments Against Legalization of Prostitution

By legalizing prostitution it has been claimed that it will enable the government earn more. Currently, prostitution runs illegally and it becomes difficult for the government to regulate the sector. The government will also be able to tax the business thus increasing its tax bracket.  It is essential to note that over the years it has been almost impossible for the government to do away with the trade and therefore it is only wise that they legalized the same and benefit from it. It will also be possible for the government to control the number of brothels and know the number of people that take part in the business. It is also essential to note that by legalizing prostitution the government will cut down on costs incurred as a result of the vice. First of all, it is important to note that the government spends a huge amount of money in undertaking patrols that aim to root out brothels. The expense will be cut down and the funds used in the same, channeled to other development projects. It is also important to note that the government also spends heavily on medical services that are provided as a result of prostitution⁵. Legalizing prostitution will also make it possible for the government to monitor the health status of prostitutes and be able to deal with any health care problem as it arises instead of having to wait until the problem is thrown out proportion resulting into increased costs.

However, a number of arguments against the legalization have also been brought about to challenge the quest of legalizing prostitution in the country. One of the arguments that have been brought about has questioned the morals of the activity⁶. It is essential to understand that prostitution has been outlawed not only because it harms anybody but rather has been termed to be an immoral issue. It is believed that only people who are in relationships should engage in sexual relationships and not with everybody. It is important to note that different people have different schools of thought on what should be moral and what should not be. The proponents of the same have claimed that by allowing prostitution the moral values of any community will be brought down. It is essential that the

Government understands that it ought to protect the values of a nation in order for it to remain together strongly. It has been argued that it is immoral for the government to only consider the financial value of prostitution without considering the negative effects that the decision will have on the society. In this case, therefore it does not matter how long the government will take to clear the vice it must always ensure that such activities do not take place. The government should also not take into consideration the cost associated with trying to eradicate the problem and it ought to undertake a reform program that aims to ensure that all those who take part in the vice are reformed.

Conclusion

The other argument that has been advanced in contest of the legalization of abortion is that of protecting the community’s welfare⁷. It has been noted that the community should be protected from some of the problems that are to be advanced by the legalization of prostitution. One of the challenges that have been noted as highly possible to affect the community is that of disintegration of families. Most families will disintegrate as a result of the prostitution activities that take place and the government should be at a position to prevent this from happening⁷. Family values are some of the factors that most citizens hold onto and it will be very bad for the leaders to break this trust by allowing prostitution. Children will grow without the love of their parents or with problems that would be solved by a family⁸.  The other community welfare that legislators should put into consideration before allowing for the practice is that of health. It must be understood by allowing prostitution to be a mainstream practice there is a like likelihood that more people will take part in the same and this might increase the spread of diseases. It is the role of the government to ensure that the spread of some diseases is controlled and one of the ways to do this is ensuring that prostitution is prohibited. It is also important to ensure that children do not grow up thinking that prostitution is the right thing to undertake and therefore should ensure that the vice is stopped for once.

Conclusion

In conclusion we have identified a number of arguments that are for and against the legalization of prostitution. Those who claim to be liberals have brought about the argument that by legalizing prostitution the government will enable people to undertake their freewill by doing whatever they what with their bodies. It has been argued that people over the age of eighteen years have the capacity to make informed decisions and take part in any business they would like to with their bodies. The government has also been shown to benefit from prostitution if it allows for the legalization of the same⁸. This because it will be able to ensure that those involved in the business are able to remit the taxes and also minimize the costs associated with the patrol and prosecution to those involved in it. This

will ensure that people are benefit from much more development projects that will arise from the revenue. Those against the legalization of prostitution have also been able to provide a number of arguments that are aimed to ensure that the activity remains prohibited. One of the things that they have pointed out is social welfare it is important to understand that many families will break up as a result of prostitution. It has also been

noted that by allowing the activity to take root in the society moral values will be watered down which will work against the people. The government will also find it difficult to control some of the diseases that will arise as result of prostitution.

References

Foong, A. (2008). The Prostitution Debate: Breaking Down Barriers. Alternative Law Journal, 33(4), 205-208.

Crofts, T., & Summerfield, T. (2008). Red light on sex work in Western Australia. Alternative law journal, 33(4), 209-213.