I was going to write a post today about why I felt prostitutes should be allowed to practise their trade and why clients should be allowed to pay for their services. But I had forgotten about the dangers involved in that business, and how sex workers too often end up being beaten or murdered.
In a perfect world, sex workers and clients should have freedom to engage in some good lovin’ behind closed doors. After all, sex workers have bills to pay like everyone else, and most of their clients are not violent.
But it is not a perfect world, and sex workers are always at risk of being victims.
I don’t know if the trans woman brutally murdered on Wednesday in Philadelphia (see report on NBC site) was a sex worker or not. But this case has shocked me into remembering why there are laws against prostitution . . .
Jillian
Jillian Page 
Huh? Are you serious? What? No, laws against sex work make it more dangerous, not safer. This post is backwards.
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I agree, Jillian, I believe sex work ought to be decriminalized, and sex workers ought to be legally protected. But they do, at this point, risk a lot of dangers. Should they wait until it IS legal before going to the business? We can raise the discussion.
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Until relatively recently, indoors prostitution was legal in Rhode Island, sort of by accident. I don’t *recall* any horror stories, but I’m sure they were there, just hidden.
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You are correct that many sex workers are exploited, but many are not. The principal reason that exploitation exists is because of laws based on an outdated morality that places sex work outside of the realm of legality. Were such practices legal, those who are exploited could seek justice and protection within the legal system. For additional information about positive sex work attitudes see the Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance (www.woodhullalliance.org) and the Center for Sex and Culture (www.sexandculture.org)
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My point exactly. I believe that sex work should be legalized, and the stigma of sex work should be removed; the stigma is there only becasue of the stigma of sex, like we don’t want to believe that people engage in sex. Plus, as a trade unionist, I believe that sex workers, like ALL workers, should organize themselves into unions, for their protection and empowerment.
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If the laws were changed to make it only legal for “brothels”, then there would be a heckuva lot less risk, in all regards (physical safety, and health safety). Plus it would also be a “taxable trade” since it would then be legal only in certified “brothels”.
The laws against prostitution are NOT to protect the sex workers. It’s an old morality law. And actually prostitution itself isn’t illegal, it is the “solicitation for money” that is. In other words the police cannot arrest a sex worker for just standing on the corner. Only once they give a price. And also meant to punish the client as well.
If legalized properly, risk reduction would be HUGE. Even those who do not work the streets, but as “escorts” still face a lot of risks. Done proper, it would be in brothel only, certified too, medical checks every 3 months, and proper security guards in them.
It’s time to do so. It’s an archaic law.
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Still if they, male or female, want to do it – why not? I am with you in that force is not acceptable at all ever! At home or anywhere.
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I wish I hadn’t clicked on the NBC story link and read their report. How anyone could be so wicked and cruel is beyond me; I’m deeply saddened at he thought of it.
Kaye
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