Abstract This paper discusses how the decriminalization of prostitution in Toronto may be advantageous for sex workers. It states that although women are supposedly equal in Canada, somehow thousands of Canadian women still end up in sex work - a line of work in which they are at risk of violence, diseases and death. The paper argues that laws meant to protect society actually victimize people who are already at the bottom rung of society - marginalized, poor women - as well as a smaller group of male and transsexual prostitutes, and even some children. Law enforcers and the public frequently launch campaigns aimed at removing sex workers altogether - such as closing brothels and massage parlors. This does not remove sex workers - it merely makes them less safe. The paper concludes that protecting the rights of sex workers and decriminalizingprostitution will help to protect their safety and welfare.
From the Paper "The lives of sex workers are fraught with risks and threats. For example, by the very nature of their work, they are at risk of contracting a range of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, which is usually terminal. One might argue that sex workers should protect themselves by practicing safe sex. However, the reality is that these people are in a very disempowered position in society, and consequently, they are very often not in a position to insist on safe sex practices. A key part of their disempowerment is that they have little recourse to the law. In other words, if they are forced to have unsafe sex, they do not feel safe in laying a charge with the police. This is because their line of work is circumscribed by laws that aim to end prostitution, and therefore they do not feel safe phoning the police. Thus, one of the key reasons why the legal system pertaining to sex work should be changed is that this would facilitate equal rights to police protection for sex workers - who desperately need such protection."
Tags: sex workers, crime legal legalization prostitute prejudice victimization violence
Abstract This paper studies the legalization of prostitution, providing a thorough review of the arguments for and against the move. First, the author studies arguments in favor of decriminalizingprostitution, which are: (1) the subject matter itself is inappropriate for governmental legislation or regulation; (2) one's body, like one's other possessions, should give rise to the right to sell and dispose of as one wishes; (3) sex for hire is more accurately portrayed as a failure of the welfare state and not a criminal matter; and (4) the subject matter would be most fit for regulation, to ensure that women are treated humanely and receive appropriate medical attention so as to prevent the spread of disease. Then the author details how opponents of legalization view those same arguments.
From the Paper "Proponents of decriminalizing or legalizing prostitution point to the fact that the issue, at its fundamental level, concerns consensual relations between two adults. They contend that the subject matter is simply not appropriate for governmental intrusion, even when that intrusion extends only to placing sanctions, and not regulation. They argue that to say the least, sex, even when it is commercial sex, is a very private affair in which many believe the government has no business meddling. They contend that conservatives, the strongest supporters of the status quo, generally adopt a laissez-faire attitude about governmental intrusion and individual rights, and in refusing to support the same of prostitution, they exhibit extraordinary hypocrisy."
Abstract This paper argues the prostitution is legal and protected by the Ninth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Other arguments in favor of decriminalizingprostitution are provided, such as lowering crime rates and the transmission of STDs and the violation of monopoly law from making prostitution illegal.
From the Paper "Prostitution is often described as the world's oldest profession one that has existed in all societies throughout history. Abramson Pinkerton and Huppin define prostitutes and prostitution as a woman or man who engages in the ..."
Abstract This paper argues that prostitution should be decriminalized. The paper first examines and analyzes the arguments both for and against decriminalization of prostitution and then makes an argument in favor of decriminalizingprostitution by suggesting that it is a victimless crime. The paper concludes that prostitution should be decriminalized and that the enormous sums allocated to prosecuting prostitutes and associated criminals could then instead be better used to rehabilitate those individuals and help them build better lives.
From the Paper "Thus the argument over whether prostitution should remain illegal or whether it should be decriminalized or made lawful, focuses principally on ethical and realistic considerations. Those opposed to legalized prostitution tend to underscore the horrors associated with the profession. They point to the trafficking in women and children, and the physical, sexual, and economic abuse of these same individuals. Prostitutes are thought to engage in a profession so reprehensible that no person would possibly choose to participate in it unless forced to do so by the most extremely adverse of circumstances. Law enforcement has failed to make much of a dent in prostitution despite an enormous amount of time, effort, and money. In fact, high-ranking officials, such as Governor Eliot Spitzer of New York have made their names breaking up prostitution rings while at the same time patronizing prostitutes themselves. The conflict reveals the very real conflict between desire and reality. Prostitution if it is decriminalized and kept apart from other obviously criminal activity is a consensual and victimless act."
Abstract This paper discusses the issues and problems involved in decriminalizingprostitution with a resolution to help deal with the issue in the absence of decriminalization. It also looks at whether decriminalization will consign women to greater abuse and the negative impact on the safety of prostitutes.
From the Paper "Prostitution is often called a necessary evil primarily because it has always existed and still does in all societies. Regardless of this fact, the issue of decriminalizing prostitution creates as much controversy and debate ..."
Tags: sex, women's rights, abuse, legislation, policymaking, religious right, interest groups
Abstract This paper discusses the need for the decriminalization or legalization of prostitution in the United States for the benefit of both sex workers and average citizens. It provides an analysis of legal prostitution as compared to illegal prostitution and the concept of privacy rights in regards to the sale of one's own body. It also discusses the impact of religion on the legislative process.
From the Paper "The issue of prostitution in the United States is one that has been constantly debated throughout the years. Those who wish prostitution to remain illegal claim that prostitution is harmful to society both morally and physically. Supporters of decriminalization and legalization, on the other hand, feel that prostitution is a harmless private act or a "victimless crime." While matters of sexuality will always be debated and are deep personal choices of all individuals, the benefits of doing away with the archaic prohibition of "the world's oldest profession" are clear. When one analyzes the issue from a moral standpoint, the argument comes down to the common goal of any system of ethics, which is a society in which individuals do the greatest good for themselves and others in any manner of their choosing so long as they do not harm any others. One must ask then, which system provides the greatest good while doing the least harm? The system of prohibition in which a holier-than-thou attitude creates second-class citizens, ignores the problems of prostitution altogether (until said problems affect "normal" citizens), and denies individuals a way to earn a living, or the system of legalization which gives dignity to sex workers, gives them freedom and resources to practice their business in the safest and healthiest ways possible, and participate in a tradition that has been practiced in private since the earliest times of civilization? Clearly, the legalization of prostitution would be an action of great moral value in that it would provide sex workers with the freedom to control their own bodies, achieve legal equality with the rest of society, access healthcare and legal services as a normal American citizen, and receive the same acceptance of any other human being in functioning society."
Abstract This paper examines the current Canadian laws regarding prostitution and analyzes why these laws put men and women prostitutes in danger. The paper discusses how the laws can be adjusted to reduce this harm. The paper acknowledges why people may turn to prostitution as a means of survival and how these etiological factors can be used to create meaningful social policy implications. Also, arguments against legalization and/or decriminalization are used to provide meaningful contrast to the arguments in favour of legalization and/or decriminalization.
From the Paper "The current laws that surround prostitution in Canada are proving to cause unnecessary brutality toward street workers. People are being forced into dangerous situations to avoid legal sanction. Legalizing or at least decriminalizing prostitution would positively impact the lives of those employed by the sex trade. However, legalization or decriminalization will likely prove to not be enough; social programs must also be put into place to help prevent prostitution, provide support for existing workers, and also help them exit the industry if they wish to. Prostitution is one of the world's oldest professions and will continue to live on, no matter how many deterrents are put into effect by the government. In response to this, the Canadian government would be well advised to adopt an approach of harm reduction rather than punishment."
Abstract This paper will endeavor to make a case for the support of the decriminalization of vice and sin, in this case via the example of prostitution by looking at it as an ineluctable part of day-to-day life; the reasons are threefold, although further cases in point can certainly be alluded to.
Abstract This paper examines the detrimental effects of legalizing prostitution, and explains why sanctioning and punitive options are much more effective than creating a legal, economic prostitution market. The writer points out how the legalization of prostitution would only serve to promote the sex industry and provide it economic and political power. The writer strongly asserts that one of the most important issues that many advocates of legalized prostitution overlook is the promotion of child prostitution. The writer also believes that human rights and health issues, in addition to the moral conflict that surrounds prostitution, should be the main reasons for not legalizing prostitution.
From the Paper "Similar to the ethical debate for the legalization of narcotics and marijuana, prostitution invokes moral and social conflicts unlike any other issue. Prostitution is one of the oldest female occupations in the history of the world, and the sale of sex and the female body has always been a hotbed of debate. With the growing influence of the adult entertainment industry, governments are running out of regulatory options. Many government officials are forced to look at the option of legalizing prostitution, in an effort to economize the market and provide legal jobs for women. The argument for legalization stems from the theory of decriminalization, rather than the government intervening with morality on its coattails."
Abstract This paper discusses the connections and correlations between drug abuse and prostitution. It describes the costs to society of drug abuse and focuses on the effects on children of addicts. The paper then discusses what is being done to attempt to combat the problem of drug abuse and prostitution and how effective these measures are. It concludes by suggesting ways to improve the current situation.
From the Paper "Controlled decriminalization would allow our society to seek other more productive ways to control and reduce drug abuse. If drug use were decriminalized, the problem of prostitution would decrease dramatically. The $20 billion a year we now spend on controlling drug traffic could be used more effectively to address other social problems. Effective or not, the system we now have has invested itself and is working to maintain itself. But doing more of the same will never produce a different result."
Abstract The paper presents both a comparative and interpretive analysis of prostitution on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The paper discusses the situation of prostitutes in Canada and in the Netherlands and also talks about what may drive some women towards this lifestyle choice. It then discusses what can be done to help them while they are in the sex trade industry. It also examines what policies and practices the writer feels need to be adopted in Canada, specifically Toronto, if the plight of these women is to be ameliorated.
From the Paper "In the following paper, I will present both a comparative and interpretive analysis of prostitution on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Most obviously, I will talk about the situation of prostitutes in Canada and in the Netherlands and I will also talk about what may drive some women towards this lifestyle choice and what can be done to help them while they are in the sex trade industry."
Abstract This paper looks at the reasons for decriminalization of marijuana, citing studies which show it would not increase use of the drug, and would not lead to the use of hard drugs. It also cites the attitutes of other countries around the world on possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use.
Abstract Prostitution is the story of the sexual violence against, and the domination of, women. It is true that many prostitutes appear to have "chosen" this line of work. The women who think they have "chosen" to be prostitutes have not really chosen anything, since the social structure of society has already made the choice for them without them knowing it. Secondly, their action reinforces an institution that does injury to women. Prostitution is female sexual slavery, and it does not exist simply within the parameters of prostitution in and of itself. It is vital to point out that societal structures and family arrangements create institutions which set the foundation for the sexual exploitation of women. The thesis of this essay argues that prostitution is a violation of women and that it is rooted in our social institutions.
Abstract This paper analyses the institution of prostitution. It quotes many sources, including the Bible and comments on them. Moreover, it studies prostitution from a man's point of view as well as a woman's. Prostitution's existence poses many questions of deep philosophical import. The paper describes the many ramifications of prostitution upon society. In conclusion, the paper states that prostitution is a reality and society must learn too accept it.
From the Paper "Prostitution has long been called the oldest profession known to man. It has been philosophized about, debated, exalted and denied throughout recorded history. Unfortunately, a majority of that history has been written by men, and from their standing on the issue. It is hard to truthfully trace back a feminist critique on the subject past the musings of the romantic period and teachers such as Mary Wollenscraft. There are glimpses, of course. It seems that during the same period that the first books of the Bible were being written, feminine culture in the region had distinctly different views on the subject than those of the men. And other stories come to us from Greece of a race of women who forswore males altogether! It is altogether certain, though, that prostitution has been a topic of much debate among recent feminist thinkers, both male and female, and that its existence poses many questions of deep philosophical import. The ramifications of this one issue touch upon the most basic concepts of our world. They raise divisions on the ideal natures of God, of society, of freedom and self-expression, and of the purpose of the female sex."
Tags: sex, prostitution, religion, bible, man, woman, society
