Hot Topic (10/30): Are you for or against legalizing prostitution?

[Cafe GroupAdmin]

 PROVIDENCE - Under legislation approved yesterday by lawmakers, Rhode Island will close a loophole allowing prostitutes to ply their trade indoors.

The bill, approved late last night, would make prostitution a misdemeanor offense regardless of where it occurs. Prostitutes would face a maximum six-month prison sentence for a first offense, and their customers could face up to a year.

Governor Don Carcieri supports closing the nearly 30-year-old loophole allowing indoor prostitution and is expected to sign the legislation.

Rhode Island and Nevada are the only states that allow indoor prostitution. Rhode Island’s General Assembly, trying to crack down on outdoor solicitations, passed a law in 1980 that was silent on paid sex indoors.

As a result, more than two dozen suspected brothels operate across the state.

“It’s been a black eye for the state for such a long period of time,’’ said Senator Paul Jabour, a Providence Democrat.

The bill’s opponents have warned that criminalizing indoor prostitution will make the lives of drug-addicted or impoverished women harder and possibly make victims of human trafficking more reluctant to seek medical help or legal assistance for fear of being reported.

“It’s difficult to support a law that lumps victims in essentially the same category as offenders,’’ said Laura Pisaturo, director of advocacy and legal services for Day One, which helps victims of sexual abuse. Her organization would support a law that jailed customers but not prostitutes, she said.

Many of the state’s suspected brothels bill themselves as massage parlors, advertising services such as table showers and body rubs. Courts have dismissed charges against prostitutes arrested by police in brothel raids even when they admit offering sex in exchange for cash, because it is not illegal.

Michael Kiselica, a lawyer who has represented brothel owners, said his clients may sue the state if the bill becomes law. He said there will be unintended economic consequences.

“What happens when you suddenly create a large number of unemployed people who the day before were gainfully and lawfully employed?’’ he said. “What consideration did the state give to those people?’’

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Should prostitution be legalized?  What are the benefits and/or drawbacks to doing so?

Do you think prostitution harms women and children?

Did you know that indoor prostitution in Rhode Island was legal? 

[karma368]

of course it SHOULD NOT be legal. of course it hurts women and children. what about the  black market human traffiking going on. where underage girls are kidnapped and forced to prostitute. prostitution already hurt marriages and family we dont need it being legal to do so

[JoshiRachelsMom]

Quoting karma368:

of course it SHOULD NOT be legal. of course it hurts women and children. what about the  black market human traffiking going on. where underage girls are kidnapped and forced to prostitute. prostitution already hurt marriages and family we dont need it being legal to do so

So whats' the difference between prostitution and polygamy? Same danged thing Apples and oranges = still fruit.

[Mergath]

I'm sure this won't be a popular opinion, but I would like to see it legalized and regulated.  Licensing, mandatory STD screening, that sort of thing.  For those of you who are Firefly fans, I've always thought the whole "companion" thing was a good model. :P

[bradygirl601]

i agree it should be legal. getting it from some hooker on the corner spreads disease, and why not go to a place thats clean with no std's. there is a street in my town where a woman cant walk down the street without men stopping to try to get some. ewww yucky!

[Hammock]

I think it should be legal. Especially "indoors". 

If some are afraid that legalizing prostitution will disrupt marriages anymore than marriage has already been damaged in my opinion, are either insecure in their marriages or don't realize that infidelity is already against a marital contract whether a person cheats with a prostitute or not.

There are many dynamics that can harm woman and children and families etc. But, marriage in itself is a form of prostitution . 

[Serenity7]

Against

 

[stormcris]

To Karma: Do you think legalizing is going to make these things worse. No, nothing will change these things. The only exception with the legalization of prostitution is that it affords protection for many people including the wives and children of men who would cheat anyway. A man who cheats will do so regardless, at least when this is legal they regulate and require testing.

To JRM: It is in no way at all the same thing. If you go there you might as well say marriage is prositution when your husband buys you things or gives you money.

Quoting JoshiRachelsMom:

Quoting karma368:

of course it SHOULD NOT be legal. of course it hurts women and children. what about the  black market human traffiking going on. where underage girls are kidnapped and forced to prostitute. prostitution already hurt marriages and family we dont need it being legal to do so

So whats' the difference between prostitution and polygamy? Same danged thing Apples and oranges = still fruit.

[mistynights234]

 It should def be legalized.  Licensed, regulated and taxed.  Prostitution has been around pretty much sense the dawn of man.  If someone wants a prostitute they are going to go to one be it legal or not.  Come on, alchohol and gambling has ruined many a marriage and its still legal.  So the - it will ruin marriage theory isnt standing. 

 

[hsteele]

Yep, for sure legalize it. If you legalize it, make it a requirement for the prostitutes to be licensed by the state, which will probably cost them money, they are not going to want to see competition by the unlicensed. And anyone engaging in slave prostitution would not be licensed. I believe you would see the licensed prostitutes acting as whistle blowers. Could be wishful thinking though, but its just a thought. I think that legalizing prostitution will make it safer for families, as PP said, because of health screening requirements etc. And street walking could remain a criminal activity with all sales being made in brothels or through work from home type businesses inside.

[bakebiscotti]

In the big scheme of issues facing this country these days, I'd say "WHO CARES!" LOL