A Case Against Legalizing Prostitution

Sex for sale – Should Prostitution be legalized?
Prostitution!! What comes to mind when one hears this word? Cheap, degrading, trashy, offensive, any other adjectives come to mind? What about accepted? Shocking as it may seem, but research has shown that in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries, prostitution was accepted. Prostitution is known as the oldest profession in the world; however, many states in the U.S. outlaw it. For some, prostitution is a victimless crime while others fight hard in the hopes of one day abolishing prostitution forever. The topic of prostitution remains a greatly debated issue even after so many years of existence. The textbook definition of prostitution is the "act or practice of engaging in sexual acts for money"
By legalizing prostitution, people will have no difficulties in searching for these explicit services as there will be an easy outlet available to them to meet their most biological human need. This in turn would lead to a great number of rape cases being reduced and would also ensure the safety of young children who are prime targets for rapes (Esmay). It is estimated that 100,000 to 3 million teens are nearly invisibly prostituted per year in the United States (Walker, 2002). If we allow prostitution to remain hidden from view and basically invisible to the law as it is today, we allow a number of teens to be swept up into prostitution every year. When adult women decide to exchange money for sex, it is a personal choice open to them under the philosophy of a free, democratic society. When troubled minors who do not yet have the social survival skills decide to prostitute, they are often manipulated by opportunists who exploit these teens, typically leading to horrific ends. Legalizing prostitution will help prevent these instances through regulation. However, on the other hand, critics argue that by legalizing prostitution, the country would be looked down as a destination for sex tourism. According to Mary Stephens, "relaxed legal controls on prostitution in Thailand, Philippines and Amsterdam have made these countries attractive for individuals, many of
It is a common notion in many religions that selling ones body in exchange for money is intolerable. Kim Jones, in one of her article suggested that, "people should vote for the conservative side and reject prostitution as it is against our norms and beliefs" (Jones, 2005). However, in my opinion, religion cannot be thrusted upon an individual as different individuals have a different cultures and ways of life and opinions are bound to be clashed. For instance, the Arabic religions have harems and it is normal for them to buy and sell wives. Also, the Islamic religion allows one to have more than two wives. I believe that if a male or female decides to sale her body in a sexual or erotic manner then that is their business. Granted, I do not find prostitution a noble profession, but I think it is a decision that should be made by the individual. However, critics argue that prostitution wrecks family ties as it harms the basic fabric of society. Although I believe that prostitution is purely a physical transaction between two individuals and cannot jeopardize the emotional stability of a relationship. Mary Anderson states that a visit to a prostitute in Italy does not violate the law against adultery. Moreover, people are born different by nature and each individual has their own perceptive of viewing things, therefore, freedom of choice should be allowed instead of a government dictated