Should Prostitution Be Legalised?

[dinesh1947]

Prostitution has been a part and parcel of society down the ages. In the time of the rajas and maharajas the courtesans had their own status in society. Certain behavioural norms governed how the courtesans were treated and they too had their own special clients/patrons, to whom they granted favours.

Under the British rule prostitution was made illegal and the trade went underground but continued to flourish. Today it is rampant and has attached to it many stigmas and taboos, besides being a nodal point of STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) the most deadly being AIDS.

If prostitution was legalized – sexual health of sex workers could be better regulated. More stringent measures could be taken against spread of AIDS and various other venereal diseases.

It would also empower sex workers to have a right to choose their client. They would not be forced into unwanted situations – as even after they have become sex workers they have the right to take the protection of the law from unwanted soliciting. It would also give more dignity to their profession.

Legalisation of prostitution is likely to bring down the rate of sexual crimes – and a woman may safely work the streets of a city at night without the constant fear and threat of being molested.

On the flip side it may be argued – this may possibly endanger the family structure; if sex is freely and legally available outside the home.

So, what is your Gutfeel ? Should prostitution be legalized?

[Aditi77_k]

My view is very orthodox on this subject...Prostitution should never be legalised...It will mean doom for the society...it will lead to more cases of divorce and will certainly affect the family structure...

And Dinesh, you are asking rights of these prostitutes...what about the rights of general people who definately outnumber them.

And, one more thing to add, in these days when AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases are on a rise...you are talking about legalising this...i don't buy in to this theory.

[Editor]

Yes, I think that prostitution should be legalized. You will agree that prostitution has been present in the societies around the world for several thousands of years and this is also a fact that it cannot be eradicated from the society.

In fact, prostitution in a way can also lead to reduced cases of rape and sex related crimes.

Legalization of this profession will help in improving the health of the sex workers. And in addition, government can tax the income of the prostitutes also.

I feel that in a mature society, prostitution should be legalized.

[Jan]

Yes, I feel that prostitution should be legalised. However, it should be strictly controlled. Regular HIV screening and health checks should be compulsory.

Most importantly, as Charu has already said - they can pay tax and national insurance just like I and everyone else has to.

[dsha9]

I think it should be legalised, by doing so the sex industry can be regulated, health of the sex worker, their rights, a control over under aged sex worker. as far as i have seen, sex workers in india stay in a shabby, unhygenic & unsafe area. & really they donnot deserve that kind of life.

Even if when its illegal, it is freely available. I donnot think so it would affect the family life. People using these services are & easily gonna get it no matter legal or illegal. Similarly it doesn't mean that poeple who donnot go for paid sex will start doing that after it is legalised. Easy availibility, will not change if it is legalised. The point is other than a better life for sexworker will only be the marjor change if it is legalised

[garcons]

Yes, prostituion should be legalised. It would definately go a long way in helping the sex workers. Aditi, what rights of the normal public are you talking about? I'm a little confused here with what you say. If it is legalised, how will it affect the rights of the normal public? I dont know if you have ever seen all this in real life, but trust me its a very bad scene. At times, the workers are scared to go to their clients at night, just thinking that they might be molested or wouldnt get paid for their services, but yes, if its legalised, they certainly would have rights.

Moving on to this affecting the family life, I do not agree with you Dsha. Agreed it is freely available now too, but not even Tom, DIck & harry has the guts to go there. The fear is always in the mind which might restrict you from going, but once it is legalised you know nothing's going wrong, and you might go as well. (By YOU, i meant he general public, so no offence)

Take the example of Dance Bars in India. There is a DB in every corner these days, but not everyone has the guts to go in there and have a beer for the simple fact that they fear that there might be a police raid. But if this was legal, people would stop going to Discs and pubs and there would be DB's everywhere, just the same as Brothels.

My 2 cents !!

[dsha9]

Ya may be for a small number of people(specailly teenagers) who might not have gutts, but everybody knows getting out of a legal specailly police problem is the simplest(bribary) in india. I personally would go to a pub or disc rather than a DB no matter legal or illegal. Where as my friend does go to a DB even when its illegal & won't stop if its legal. Personal ehtics, principals, family, religion, society & not just gutts makes one person not go to a brothel or a DB. And also because we are just Indian, the culture & our upbringing, is very different that others.

My point is in india, difference between legal & illegal is low in the sence that the change in thinking of a person will not be highly affected, as getting out of something illegal is so easy it is as good as it being legal. (donnot mistake it with bigger crimes)

[garcons]

I guess yes you're right. When it comes to india, it wont really affect the family lives much coz getting out of a situation in India is easy enough. But for sure, the % going to such places would increase if they are made legal.

[Aditi77_k]

Legalising prostitution will definately increase the number of youths and married people visiting the prostitutes. Besides contracting diseases, their life and relationships back home will be onthe rocks. How many homes have broken when the man spends money on other women even though he may not be able to support his home. These are the rights of the people to remain healthy, to have lasting relationships which i am talking about.

[Jan]