Why is Prostitution Illegal?

The popular opinion on one of the world’s oldest profession has been divided since a long time. Some are of them believe that your profession is a matter of choice, therefore, prostitution, as a profession, should not be criminalized. Many nations have decriminalized prostitution in the past few years. On the other hand, there are people who believe that legalizing prostitution will only aggravate the violence that is inflicted upon the women.

To give you a clear picture, here are the probable reasons why prostitution is illegal in many countries along with a negating stance of many who are supportive of the profession.

Reasons Why Prostitution Is Illegal

#1. Moral Code

If you look into the legal history, almost all the laws are based upon the archaic moral code and have a religious connotation. These codes have not seen much of progressive amendments over the centuries. Moreover, tampering with these ancient laws is seen as a matter of derogation even today.

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Since many of these moral codes consider prostitution as illegal and socially unacceptable practice, the concept got seeped into the present day laws as well.

#2. Violence Against Women

Another reason behind criminalizing the profession of prostitution is that it only aggravates the violence inflicted upon women, and leads to a further female subjection. It is also believed that a common reason why women are driven to prostitution is poverty or illiteracy and not out of their consent.

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#3. Issues Pertaining To Health

Health issues are quite common among women who are working as prostitutes. In fact, sex workers are not even provided with proper health care facilities. Among these health issues, sexually transmitted diseases are quite a common phenomenon. Criminalizing the detrimental profession is seen by many as a way to put an end to the practice which puts the health of sex workers into jeopardy.

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#4. Human Trafficking

The cases of human trafficking have often been associated with prostitution whereby women are abducted and sold to far off areas as prostitutes. The trafficking victims include numerous minor girls as well. The alarming number of offenses associated with a seemingly harmless profession is another plausible reason why the profession is illegal in many countries.

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Why Should Prostitution Be Legalized?

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#1. A Matter Of Choice

With the rise of the concept of gender equality, it is being propagated by many that women should have equal rights to carry out any profession they want. Moreover, criminalization of prostitution only works against the women who have entered the profession with their consent. Ergo, it would be quite a progressive step to legalize prostitution.

#2. Financial Base

As it has been established earlier that many sex workers are coerced into the profession by poverty, prostitution has actually become a source of livelihood for many. By criminalizing prostitution, the legal system is depriving these women of a financial source and livelihood.

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#3. No Substantial Harm

It has been a popular idea that prostitution is a victimless crime. In this widely spread industry, there is a harmless give and take of a service. It’s just the nature of the services is something that is against the age old moral codes and norms.

#4. Rights For Sex Workers

It is opined by many that legalizing prostitution will only imply better legal framework, health care laws, and laws against exploitation of the sex workers. A strict legal framework will only do away with the slave trade like nature of the profession and provide the sex workers with equal rights.

More on: Famous Celebrities Who Were Once Sex Workers

We would love to hear from you. Do you think prostitution should be legalized? Kindly use the comment box to share your thoughts and opinions with us.

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