Introduction
Prostitution legalization is a topic that is consistently debated over time. Some countries support legalization while others fight against allowing the act due to it violating perceived ethics and morals. In states allowing people to practice prostitution, various laws are governing and protecting people within this business. Despite the presence of opposing views refuting the need to legalize prostitution all over, some reasons help us identify the vitality of this process (Weitzer, p. 3-280). When legalized, working conditions will be safe, and most sex workers will make personal decisions. Therefore, abduction cases and turning individuals into sex workers will stop. Primarily, legalizing prostitution is necessary to the country simply because it can lower STD rates among sex workers, save law enforcement money and resources, and become a revenue. In this context, regardless of identifying that legalizing prostitution can bring about many positive impacts, we will identify some opposing views to the latter.
Legalizing prostitution might not be the best step in the country due to the presence of some adverse impacts the business brings. First of all, prostitution exploits sex workers. Most individuals who get into the as a form of earning a living are desperate; thus, vulnerable to exploitation (Marcus et al., p. 225-246). Due to their need to earn quick money, people end up being paid little by those managing them within the industry to have sex with many people. Many individuals receive a quarter percentage of their total earnings as pay. Secondly, legalized prostitution will increase sex trafficking. Despite the presence of the law to supporting the rights of sex workers, when legalized, many people will join the industry. However, individuals with strong criminal connections will see prostitution legalization as a path for them, traffic people, into the country. When looking at countries that have prostitution legalized, the rate of human and sex trafficking is continuously increasing. Lastly, it will be wise to refute legalizing prostitution since prostitution is dangerous. Sex workers face many precarious cases while dealing with different clients every day (Weitzer, p. 81-91). There are many risks associated with practicing prostitution. The mental and physical health of an individual is highly likely to attain negative effects. Women in the prostitution industry face dangers, including rape, homicide, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), abusing various substances, domestic violence, and committing suicide. Absence of people such as counselors and programs for caring and checking in sex workers influence the dangers of prostitution to both men and women.
Notwithstanding the above claims providing great arguments why it is not wise to legalize prostitution when the government places great measures to protect and ensure the people in the industry follow the set regulations, the industry can develop successfully (Cimino, p. 239-255). Therefore, the positivity that comes to light when there is the legalization of prostitution is extensive. For that reason, legalizing prostitution would lower STD rates among women. When the country legalizes prostitution, many health care centers can provide more health information to help sex workers protect themselves. Besides, the government will easily regulate sex trade and sex workers will own their rights to use protection with a client if they desire. Secondly, legalizing prostitution would save law enforcement money and resources. The finances and resources applied in solving cases dealing with illegal prostitution can help in other vital cases (Immordino et al., 14-31). At most times, the finances and resources used in prostitution cases are due to the business being illegal. However, since many individuals still venture into the business, legalizing prostitution and employing laws to govern the business is best. Besides, cases that law enforcement might face and finances used are cheaper than when prostitution is illegal. Lastly, legalizing prostitution will create a huge source of revenue for the country. The country's economy will highly improve when prostitution is legal. Prostitution is one of the oldest businesses worldwide, viewed illegally in many countries (Wetzer, p. 3-280). As such, prostitution being a massive industry, people involved in marketing prostitution gain broad interest and profit without paying taxes. Therefore, when legalized, the state can attain substantial tax revenue from the industry to help the economy grow.
Conclusion
In summary, legalizing prostitution is an endless debate with supporting and opposing arguments. There are three primary reasons why legalizing prostitution can impact people negatively. The dangers associated with prostitution, the exploitation of sex workers face, and the rise of sex trafficking cases identify why prostitution should stay illegal. However, the ability to lower STD rates among sex workers, save law enforcement money and resources and attain more revenue to boost the economy help identify the essence of legalizing prostitution. Generally, the reasons supporting legalizing prostitution impact the economy, the health of sex workers, and the correct use of law resources. There are challenges that the country will face once prostitution is legal. Conversely, setting regulations will help ensure that the business is professional, honest, and follows the law. As such, it is best to legalize prostitution when compared to leaving it illegal due to the positive impacts influenced on the country, the general population, and the safety of sex workers.
