Prostitution legalization is a contentious issue that provokes a significant worldwide controversy. Prostitution's legal status differs from region to region. The supporters say that the legalization of prostitution contributes to improving the productivity and well-being of sex workers and enriches nations through revenue and industry-related enterprises. However, the opponents believe that legalizing fosters trafficking in humans promotes harassment and prejudice against women, and affects their wellness (Maravilla, 2021). Although prostitution is a sensitive subject, it does not infringe any liberties and stimulates the economy from a global point of view. This paper examines whether or not prostitution should be legalized, with a focus on personal autonomy aspect, public health aspect, and law enforcement aspect.
I chose the aspect of personal autonomy because supporters of legalization commonly argue that prostitution originates from its own volition, is an indicator of women's autonomy, and is a commercial transaction formed between consenting individuals with equivalent power (Maravilla, 2021). Numerous international organizations believe that the most significant interests of the person, that is, health, security, and wellness of "willingly choosing" prostitutes, would be improved by legalizing all elements of prostitution.
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I picked the law enforcement aspect under the notion that illegality subjects sex workers to harassment and victimization by law enforcement personnel, including cops. Criminalization renders sex workers more susceptible to assault by attackers because they are vilified and uncertain to be supported by the police (Maravilla, 2021). Crime can also push sex workers to work in insecure areas to prevent the police, which is more justification for being legalized.
I chose the aspect of public health because the prohibition of prostitution also has an adverse effect on health rights for sex workers. For instance, if authorities utilize the possibility of condoms to substantiate prostitution accusations, sex workers are unwilling to use condoms for dread of imprisonment, are forced into intercourse without protection, and are at increased risk of HIV/sexual transmission.
People involved in voluntary prostitution often grow up in poverty or marginalization and confront prejudice and injustice, notably when it comes to their entry into the labor market. It is time to promote initiatives to tackle gender-based prejudice, sexual preference, ethnicity, or gender expression of sex workers.
References
Maravilla, M. (2021). Consent or Crime: Examining the Perceptions of Prostitution .Doctoral dissertation, Arizona State University.
