The Oldest Profession

            The Prohibition of the 1920’s caused an immediate drop in the consumption of alcohol, this drop was short lived however and in less than a year actually grew to record levels. The murder rates increased by 75%, assault and battery crimes increased by 13%, and other crimes increased by 9% (Poholek). Even though a stop was put on all production, importing and exporting of alcohol, the American people revolted, through the use of speakeasies and bootlegging. Alcohol, one of America’s favorite beverages that allegedly led to more violence and crime was in even greater demand during the Prohibition. This is evidence that if something is in demand then it will be supplied.

            Prostitution is one of those ‘services’ that has been in high demand for centuries, it probably originated from women using their sexuality as power over men to get what they wanted. Prostitution is rooted so deeply in human history that banning it would be even less successful than the Prohibition of alcohol. Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, Canada, England, Scotland, Iran and many others have accepted prostitution as being a legal ‘service’ (sexwork.com). Each of those countries set up certain rules and regulations in order to protect the well-being of sexworkers. Even a few of these countries offer workers compensation and maternal leave.  I don’t condone prostitution, nor would I participate, but I do respect it as a person’s individual career choice.

            According to the Constitution of the United States of America, the people are given the freedom to do anything so long as it does not impede on the rights of others. Stealing takes away another person’s right to have possessions; murder impedes on a persons right to live; driving drunk puts the safety of others at risk; these are all understandable. Why then should prostitution be illegal? It doesn’t challenge personal freedoms, it’s voluntary, it doesn’t endanger the lives of anyone, and above all prostitution is similar to a personal business. Prostitution does provide a significant source of income; there is also a little bit of job security. There will always be someone willing to pay money for sex. The downside to that is the amount of money people will pay is directly related to the attractiveness of the sexworkers. Those who are more attractive will be more desirable and vice-versa for those who are perceived as less attractive.