There is a bill currently before the Hawaii state legislature that would allow the exchange of sexual favors for money between consenting adults in private, and also legalize prostitution in certain demarcated areas (“Hawaii Eyes Legal Prostitution”). However, the bill is unlikely to get a hearing during this session, let alone pass into law. Some co-sponsors of the bill say that the point of introducing it was to raise awareness and dialogue, and that even they do not expect the bill to become law anytime soon. The bill’s supporters argue that criminalizing such behavior only makes it harder for prostitutes to enter the legitimate working world later. Many broaden their argument to say that sexual acts between consenting adults, even where money is exchanged, is none of society’s business. The idea meets resistance, however, from those who think women in the sex trade are victimized by definition, and that they are best-helped by upholding prohibitive laws. Many see the legitimization of prostitution as harmful to cultural values.
Would you support the legalization of prostitution in your state? Are women more victimized by engaging in prostitution or by laws that lead to jail time and arrest records? Has the time come for society to re-evaluate laws that restrict sexual behavior between consenting adults?
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Comments: 9
On a religious note, it is immoral, and should not even be contemplated. To be realistic it is going to happen, so the question is what is the best way to protect the prostitute, whether male or female, and to protect the "john". There is more than just the action, but the consequences which includes "pimps", abusers, drug dealers, and disease.
I, being a religious person would hate to have to admit, but believe it may make more sense to have very strict guidelines including testing and well established locations with legitimate ways to tax and control the actions in a legal way than what is currently going on. I would hope that there would be mandatory classes fo rthe prostitutes as well as health classes, insurance, a good home, drug testing, and ways to help these prostitutes to move up and away from their"profession"
I pray that people would find better ways to go about trying to make their lives more enjoyable, but until both sides see it is not a substitute for anything, it will occur and should be controlled, if there is that much of a problem.
Everything I have seen about the legalized prostitution in Nevada suggests that is is, under controlled conditions, both safe and profitable for all parties.
Women on the streets are victimized, assaulted and make very little money.
I would have to say that given the fact that there is no way to abolish prostitution, I would rather put the women in a controlled, safe, legal situation where they keep the money they earn, there health is looked after and there is no violence. If that is the choice women make, we need to be supportive of the choice and protective of their well-being.
Of course, being practical, I can also say - think of the tax revenue!