Should

[flyin'irie]

Hi Jimmy

Originally Posted by JB40

It goes on in the fringes. Anything that requires registration and taxpaying is bound to be circumnavigated by professional criminals. So, as usual, it isn't so black and white.

Harsh reality sadly...

I was mentionning legalization because it is the subject of the thread.
But I put a "IF" before, because I am not totally convinced it's the right way forward.
Although repression is not my favourite cup of tea, I do think that in a particular area like this one, it's the option that has got to be favoured [before legalization] and firmly enforced towards those who pocket the profits from this business.
More political willingness is obviously necessary to move things in that direction, particularly when you realize the huge hypocrisy that is covering the subject:
In France, although protitution is illegal, the taxman doesn't hesitate to claim his "due" to the prostitutes...
So, no, as you say, it's not black or white... there is a blurred grey zone where you cannot divise the goodies from the baddies...

[JB40]

Yes feno, I think we both have a similar position here. Although I think we're in a minority.

[Starshine007]

Men in the minority? Heaven forfend, what is the world coming to?

Its quite telling though that the vast majority of the females who've posted on this thread in particular are in agreement in our thoughts.

[Erin]

I can see both sides. If I absolutely HAD to pick a side, I guess I'd go with not legalizing because it will become almost mundane for people to pay for sex. And I don't agree with that, though some will argue that we all pay for it one way or another. Plus, I don't really think crack heads are going to bother with the "laws" anyway. The prostitutes around here are quite obviously addicts and that won't change if prostitution is legalized.

[JB40]

That's just coincidence M.
I know plenty of women that aren't comfortable with legalization. And any feminist literature I've read in the last couple of years are the reason I've come to the conclusions that I have. So I don't think there is a gender split on this subject. It's just accidentally worked out that way here.

[Starshine007]

If you say so JB, I'm not about to discuss why who thinks what, is it gender based etc. But, maybe a lot of females can see the vulnerability of the situation prostitutes find themselves in via a different viewpoint than males. I'd not fancy walking down some streets at night, let alone having to live the life of a streetwalker, so to make it safer would be the best option. And I can't see past legalisation. The whole business won't go away anytime soon.

[JB40]

I see what you are saying M. But the choice isn't between keeping things as they are, or complete legalization. Maybe the drug approach of de-criminalization would be best. It would take it out of the hands of the police and make it a civil matter. Then the women could be protected more.

[Starshine007]

Ok, I'll go for that as an option. Particularly if the only other choice is to maintain the status quo of illegality and the vicious circle of arrest/fine/back on streets to pay said fine... ad infinitum. I really can't see that many woman making prostitution their career by choice.

[anant_shah94]

Originally Posted by Starshine007

I really can't see that many woman making prostitution their career by choice.

but then if women are forced into prostitution, legalising it would surely mean that it would be more difficult for them to get out of it?

as it has been mentioned, quite a few prostitutes are essentially sex slaves, so legalisation paves the way for easier exploitation. Despite control by the government, the big crime gangs will still find a way for exploitation.

[Starshine007]

2 wrongs never make a right Anant, but if you can make something safer for a majority, why should they suffer needlessly?

You can apply that theory to anything. Some people find ways to dodge their taxes, car insurance etc etc. Does that mean we should all do it?