Sometimes called ‘the world’s oldest profession’, prostitution holds a complex cultural place. While it is underpinned by gender norms and has been linked to violence, it also represents a source of agency for some and a viable career option for many. Should it be treated like any other job by the state? And if the state wishes to curtail prostitution, is making it illegal the best option?
Prostitution should be illegal
Sex work is inherently harmful and should be banned.
Prostitution encourages sex trafficking
Demand for prostitutes is the core driver of global sex trafficking.
Prostitution sets the stage for violence against women
As people all know, most sex workers are women, and the buyers are men. Prostitution is a form of violence against women. Under the unbalanced power and status of gender, the majority of sex workers suffer from violence while working in their lifetimes. Therefore, prostitution is equitable to violence against women.
Sex work is work, and sex workers, like any other members of society are entitled to safe working environments. Decriminalisation would enable an independent body to provide union support to sex workers and help to regulate industry standards. This is possibly a better alternative than to give authority to the government on the circumstances in which sex work can be legal as it removes the idea that the selling of sexual labour is inherently problematic.
Countries like Austria and the Netherlands have adopted a system of legalisation rather than decriminalisation, under which sex work is legal only under conditions dictated by the state.
Government oversight of prostitution would improve all outcomes
The legalisation of prostitution ensures Governments can regulate prostitution to reduce social ills.
