It is one man's opinion on legalization, but I think his opinion probably fits what most of us think and goes along with what JTH is trying to get accomlished....

"Hypocrisy 101" By D. Quixote


Personally, I believe prostitution should be legalized. I realize that concept upsets some, but I’m not quite sure if it’s safe to assume they are the majority opinion or just a very vocal minority. One day, out of curiosity, I spent a little time surfing the net to find out more information about legalization of prostitution in my home state. I found what I believe are many of the basic arguments for and against, but I couldn’t find any indication on just how many people line up on each side of the debate.

Fair is fair – and everyone is entitled to their own opinions – so I wanted try to understand a little more of the anti-legalization position. And it’s not really a stretch for me. I’m not fanatical about the topic. Truth is, I probably really never gave it much thought until the last couple of years.

I believe, and from what I could tell so do many of the pro-legalization supporters – that legalization would lead to a safer and healthier environment. Once brought out into the open and regulated, health requirements could be enforced and much of the shadier side of the business would disappear. That’s not to say there won’t still be a bad side to the business - many legitimate businesses have their shady counterparts - but given that most participants would naturally choose a safe and regulated situation over a shady and dangerous one, I believe there would be a drastic reduction in the bad element. Call it survival of the species.

I believe legalization would open the door towards a powerful new revenue source for our communities. Whether or not people want to admit it, this is a very popular activity and generates huge revenue – just waiting to be taxed. Why deny it?

And I believe simply, it is not called the oldest profession for no reason. Law enforcement can chase its tale trying to stop it – and at times make it more difficult to operate in the open – but I doubt they can ever eliminate it. It’s just too difficult to police, and as long as humans have active sex drives, there will always be a demand. And where there is a demand, there will be a supply.

I won’t pretend to know all the arguments against legalizing prostitution. But from what I’ve read, much of the passion seems to focus on abuse against women and children. The belief that prostitution, in no matter what form, inevitably leads to abuse: women and children forced - physically and/or mentally – to sell their bodies. (To be fair, there might also be some cases of men being abused too.) And legalizing this activity will just add to the problem.

Absolutely, I agree that abuse against anyone – women, children, or men – is completely unacceptable. But I can’t accept that legalizing prostitution would add to the problem. The problem exists in many facets – legal and illegal – not just in prostitution. And I think if regulated and out in the open, abuse can be lessened – if not just by reducing the bad element controlling the business, but by removing much of the stigma attached to the profession so those who do face abuse might find it just a little bit easier to seek help. Am I naïve? Perhaps. But I can’t see how keeping this underground and behind closed doors improves the chances of helping those victimized by it.

To many, the issue may be morality. And I have no doubt there are those who strongly believe that. But on the other hand, no one would force them to participate, so should their values be forced upon the rest of us? Tough question. Society does have a responsibility to protect itself. But where is the harm? Who is hurt by a “victimless” crime? Again, there is the argument of abuse – if you believe it true.

But should legalized prostitution be our moral concern?

This nation elected a President to not just one, but two terms of office, regardless of accusations of sexual harassment. Eventually, he confessed to having an extramarital affair with a 19-year old intern. And now recently, we hear stories of a past President also having an extramarital affair with a 19-year old intern.

So what does more damage to our moral compass? Legalizing prostitution or electing leaders to the highest office so they can cheat on their spouses with barely legal, probably highly impressionable teens. And of course, the girl eventually gets her own reality TV show. What a road to fame! I guess success heals the wounds.

You know, I sometimes wonder why there seem to be more escort ads for Washington D.C. than almost any other city – except perhaps New York and San Francisco. And I’m not talking about streetwalkers, but higher price ladies. I wonder how many lawmakers who publicly denounce sexual playfulness, end their day by slipping away to spend some time with one of these ladies.

And I remember a few years ago when a few well-known ministers were caught with their pants down. Of course, they prayed for forgiveness and confessed their mortal sins. How nice.

Temptation of the flesh is a powerful thing. We need to protect children from predators. We need to protect those who cannot protect themselves. But how far do we go in regulating what consenting adults do?

Legalizing prostitution doesn’t mean you have to participate. It doesn’t mean you have to approve of those who do participate. And it’s not going to suddenly cause a drop in morality. Our moral values have been dropping without it! Maybe it just means it’s time for us to tone down our hypocrisy a little.


-- Modified on 5/31/2003 6:34:46 AM