Now would be a really good time for the State of Minnesota to legalize this hobby. They would be able to put any tax money raised towards balancing the budget. Someone a lot smarter than I should start a petition to get this put on the ballet for the next election. Wishful thinking I guess. dg1111

Although I agree with you, there are so many things to consider:

1) Discretion will go out the window. I'd imagine ladies would have to keep records of who they saw for tax/safety purposes.

2) How much of every dollar will be given to the state?

3) Will ladies need to register as an "offical" escort like at the Cathouse or Bunny Ranch?

These are just a few. I want it just as bad as you do, but I'm not sure if I like being labeled as an escort. I feel a stereotype will go along with it and police will actually treat men/women worse.

weed first, then pussy.

In order to be placed on the ballet, it would have to be a Constitutional Amendment (IN Minnesota).  I'm not sure legalization of the hobby is something that should be in the Constitution of Minnesota.
The legislature could make it legal by just changing the law.

I agree.
It basically would be like a never ending shakedown.

It needs to come up in several elections/sessions.  It will get shot down the first 1, 2, 3 times, but it will get a conversation going and people will begin to discuss the realities instead of the knee-jerk reaction fears.  More and more people will be comfortable with posting pro-legal commentaries and articles in the paper (well, assuming there's still a paper) and websites.  Each time a few more people will support it.

Some questions to ask are:

Do we have less prostitution than countries where it's legal?

Do we have less underage prostitution and human trafficking than countries where it's legal?

Does making prostitution illegal contribute to police corruption?

Would we rather have control over the industry and have it located in appropriate places or do we prefer streetwalkers in our neighborhoods?

just allow an exception where it is a matter between two consenting adults in a private setting, keeping it off the streets and away from pimps, agencies, and trafficers.

Anya-

Quit using those college-girl smarts  I have often wondered why everyone is so adamant about making the hobby legal - precisely for Anya'a reasons.  Sure, hobbying being legal SOUNDS cool, but how cool is it when you have to be on some database somewhere for the world to see that you are paying for (or selling) sex.  Any law legalizing prostitution isn't going to simply just make it legal.  They will want to track this, test that, tax the other thing, etc. etc.   I know there are many that would flat out not care, but I bet a whole lot more WOULD care, and if they really thought about it - would choose to leave things as they are.    Think about all of the wonderful providers who have stated that "they have a lot to lose" if anyone found out.  Do you think they would be hanging around?