Arguments for Legalizing Prostitution in The United States
Yes, you read it right and they are good ones too.
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Before I even get into this article, I can imagine the backlash I am going to see from many readers. So, first off, let me say that I do not find prostitution to be a positive aspect of society. In fact, I find many of the practices that come hand in hand with prostitution in the U.S. as proof that there is no level that some people will not sink to. That being said, I find prostitution itself to be harmless or (dare I say it?) a good thing. It’s the practices and stigma that come along with it that abhors me. So, it is my belief that, in order to minimize the evil that comes from prostitution and enhance the positive, it should be legalized in all states. Feel free to hate me now.
The first thing I want to bring up in my argument for the legalization of prostitution in the U.S. is child prostitution. It may not happen in your average suburban neighborhood with its manicured emerald-green lawns and whitewashed picket fences, but it does happen. If prostitution were legalized and regulated there would be hundreds, if not thousands less prostitutes on the street. This means that more manpower is available from the police forces of the country to get these underage girls or boys into a safer environment. The best part is that we would have a little extra cash floating around to do this with.
Regulated and legalized prostitution means that women and men who hadn’t been paying taxes on their income, now can. It’s great, isn’t it? That money can go into youth groups for sexually abused teens, school system improvements or . . . wait a minute . . . it could start making a dent in our colossal deficit. And let’s not forget the money that we would save from not having to arrest women and men who choose to sell their bodies. We wouldn’t have to feed and clothe them until they are released either. Or pay a judge to sit in a hearing and let the guy or gal go so they can get back to precisely what they were doing before. Makes sense to me.
Okay, I know you’ve been waiting for it, if you have ever given this topic any thought, so let’s talk rape rates. Now, there is no conclusive evidence that rape rates would go down with the legalization of prostitution. However, studies have shown that it is likely (google it) and it makes sense. There are a lot of people out there who have a hard time forming bonds that lead to sexual activity, for whatever reason. Don’t you think if those people could simply pay some money to have a willing participant in bed, they would be less likely to use rape as a means to get what their body naturally desires? I know that there are wackos that will rape anyway, but it is my belief that there would be a significant decrease in instances of rape.
If that’s not enough to show that this may be a good idea, how about a few small arguments for the legalization of prostitution in the U.S. before I publish this. Health care for prostitutes and regulation of where they may practice their profession. For example, it must be indoors, not in the car where the neighborhood children can see. Fewer instances of abused prostitutes if they are working in professional establishments. Regulated use of contraceptives means less abortions, abandoned children and stds. And the list goes on. All of these regulations would be much easier to enforce once our police officers aren’t wasting all of their time arresting adults having consensual sex.
Before I go, I know that there are valid arguments for keeping prostitution illegal, but I am trying to keep it in perspective. What’s worse? I think I would rather have prostitutes in brothels that are regulated than one street up from the city school, on the corner, wouldn’t you?
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User Comments
N. Lloyd Andrews
On November 23, 2009 at 9:41 am
I have to say I agree with you on this one Shelly. They call it the world’s oldest profession. It has been around for at least as long as there has been some form of trade.
Prostitution will never go away. There will always be some form of prostitution in the U.S. as well as everywhere else. It only makes sense that it would make it safer for both the seller and the buyer to have it legal and regulated.
raptor22
On November 23, 2009 at 10:02 am
I have to agree with you, Shelly.
drelayaraja
On November 23, 2009 at 10:35 am
Nice article friend. A bond initiative you have taken by writing on this topic.
Pinaki Ghosh
On November 23, 2009 at 10:56 am
great article.
K.Reshma
On November 23, 2009 at 11:00 am
Very well written, I do agree with you
Rod Ferrandino
On November 23, 2009 at 11:01 am
Maybe we would have to start in just a few states, and call it a “medical prostitution” initiative; always like your stuff, Shelly.
Petalm
On November 23, 2009 at 11:08 am
Well written although I don’t agree with you as you could make the same arguement about cocaine, heroine or any other vice.
Darla Smith
On November 23, 2009 at 11:10 am
Excellent article. It actually makes a lot of sense.
Shelly Barclay
On November 23, 2009 at 11:11 am
Thanks, everyone.
Petalm, you could make some arguments for the legalization of marijuana, but the drugs you named are deadly. Nothing good about that. Also, legalizing heroine or cocaine would not get at risk teens off of the street or lower rape rates. If it did, I would be all for it. 
BradONeill
On November 23, 2009 at 12:33 pm
I would just like to apply as the inspector general of legalized prostitution in the United states. Is that going to be a new czar position under Obama? Oh crap I guess I will have to compete with Bill Clinton for the job.
Shelly Barclay
On November 23, 2009 at 12:39 pm
You’re in. The new law will be implemented when I become supreme emporer.
By the way, can I say that I freaking hate the new ads that won’t go away for a minute. Good grief!!
Bud
On November 23, 2009 at 5:33 pm
While I agree with most of your reasons for legalization (mainly the health reasons), probably the biggest reason for legalizing it is that no one has the right to tell two consenting adults that they can or cannot have sex, even if that involves the exchange of money. It’s one of the things that makes the USA what it is. Freedom.
As you correctly point out, most of the arguments against prostitution are not really part of prostitution per the legal definition. For example, trafficking, physical abuse of the workers, rape, etc. These are, unfortunately, associated with prostitution. But it is a red herring argument to try to ban an activity based on negative associations. For example, using the same logic we should also ban alcohol consumption, as it leads to many traffic accidents, health care problems, physical abuse, and so on.
To be honest, I don’t think the increased tax revenue will be all that much. I think the biggest benefit (as you mention) will be to remove some or all of the negative stigma associated with the trade. The second largest benefit will be to provide the workers with an acceptable working environment free from harrassment and danger.
Please keep up the good work.
Teves
On November 23, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Very interesting…Nice one Shelly.
Dean Snyder
On November 23, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Great Article.
Midie
On November 23, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Good argument.Let see what the others say.
p/s: What a sexy photo you have right here.
orlandoJP
On November 24, 2009 at 2:30 am
worst article i have ever read, i lost 4 minutes of my life i want them back
Shelly Barclay
On November 24, 2009 at 11:58 am
LOL, jp. I’d give them back to you, but your life sucks so bad that you would just lose them again, kiddo. Oh and I can’t believe it took you four minutes to read this.
Anniehugo
On November 25, 2009 at 10:30 am
Fantastic article Shelley! I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for sharing!
vivereque
On November 29, 2009 at 10:41 pm
I had always heard that rape is a power and rage issue far more than a sexual issue. Also, don’t pros get raped, abused, and murdered at a higher rate than most other women (or men)? Would legalization change that statistic?
Shelly Barclay
On November 30, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Viv,
In some cases, yes, it is about power and rage. I didn’t say that rape would stop.
You don’t think that having laws that kept them off of corners and in monitored and controlled work places would change that statistic? I certainly think it would. They prostitutes would be far less vulnerable.
Thanks,
Shelly
mkd1788
On December 3, 2009 at 12:53 pm
excellent…good one..
James DeVere
On December 9, 2009 at 1:00 am
Fantastic. Finally someone has the guts to write decent stuff in here. I am Web site designer and am currently creating one for a brothel – the best thing I have done . Hooray for you ! j
Shelly Barclay
On December 9, 2009 at 2:02 am
Ummm, thanks, James. Good luck with the website.
spiritwalker
On December 10, 2009 at 12:14 am
Nice Shellypoo. It would make my job alot easier if it was legalized. I am sick and tired of having to get it on behind the dumpster every Thursday night.
Kinkyvinyl
On December 10, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Great article. I’m not positive but I think there are legalized brothels in Amsterdam and for all the reasons that you pointed out in your work, I agree.
Safer environments and cleaner health regimes would benefit these girls greatly. There is nothing shameful about earning a living, even if the living isn’t considered to be ’socially acceptable’.
Bo Jack Russo
On December 12, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Something to think about, you presented your points well. It is legal in Nevada by the way, and not just in Vegas either, statewide.
qasimdharamsy
On December 13, 2009 at 9:21 am
Nice Article !!!
kalli
On December 13, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Completely agree!
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