... but who needs legal prostitution when we've got the hobby?

Legalization would lead to higher prices. Can you imagine how high the "sin" tax would be!!! Look at the legal brothel rates.

Even if legalized, a black market would exist.

prostitution is legal in parts of Nevada, and it is bad there.  No GFE, no BBBJ and prices are high.  Let it alone, it;s great the way it is.

It very much depends on how it is done. If it is "carefully monitored and controlled" it will have the charm and efficiency of a Social Security Office.  There will be controls on actions, price, etc.  On the other hand, if it is simply legal ie not criminal, it would be fine.  I suspect it could be like being say a "counselor" in New York State.  There are few requirements, it is legal, and none of the state's business. Of course then one has to deal with taxes and such, but such is life.

The problem with 'legalization' like in the brothels in rural Nevada is that the State keeps its hand in things.  Hence the rules about no BBAnything.  They also limit where the brothels can be etc.  This creates an artificial market that forces the ladies and the clients into a very few locations and illiminates 'independants' and stifles the free market.  

'Decriminalizing' the hobby simply makes whatever two consenting adults do behind closed doors, for whatever reason, legal.  I've never understood why it was legal for me to wine and dine a woman into bed but it was illegal if she prefered me to just give her the money.

I don't see any way that decriminalizing would drive prices up as was suggested in another post.  Without the risk of arrest and public humiliation I bet there would be more providers offering services.  The free market would take over.

Decriminalizing also does not mean total lack of control.  Age minimums for providers are an issue as is keeping advertising/soliciting in good taste.  Even WITH the threat of arrest for solicitation, any attractive woman left alone in a casino in Vegas will be solicited within a few minutes. Even I don't think 'street level' prostitution should be allowed, its just disgusting to look at the druggie skanks hustling on a street corner.  

mvr

First of all, I'm no lawyer nor am I any type of  legal expert, but it seems to me that perhaps decriminalization of providing might be a better solution. Maybe Canada or England does have the right idea. Seems like they have taken a more hands off approach to the issue, rather than trying to legalize (control?) the business perhaps it’s better to just stop making it a crime.
There are laws in place I think that would still offer some protections so that the exploitation of people by others would not happen and yet still allow consenting adults to willingly participate.

My .02

C_K


-- Modified on 7/27/2008 5:29:48 PM

is for the ladies to simply be indepentant contractors responsible for their own business licences and taxes just as any other contractor.

Not going to happen in this lifetime.  Would you feel safe revealing your participation in the hobby outside the hobby?  Didn't think so.  

Gene Simmons is not the only celebrity whom has hobbied.  From my understanding, this is common among atheletes, well known actors and politicians, the well-to-do across a wide spectrum.  This is old news!  Why do you think this flurishes?

As an educated feminist provider who engages in this industry out of pure enjoyment and choice, I strongly advocate for the legalization of providing.  The feminist movement has it all wrong when they support criminalization saying that prostitution oppresses women.  Feminism is about nothing more than a woman having choice.  I say telling a woman that she cannot use her most valuable asset, her sexuality, to earn money is oppressive.  It is no secret that sex is the most powerful and valuable asset a woman has...whether it be through marriage or prostitution.

I also assert that an industry that has to be run underground is way more dangerous to women in many ways...which oppresses women.

Further, legalization helps to legitimize the profession and the hobby. I'm not saying overnight people would start to accept and respect the industry, but legalization is a significant step towards that happening.

Legalization would also open the opportunity for women to get things like health benefits and other basic worker's rights that most people in the United States enjoy.

I would happily pay taxes on my income to have all of the above.