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May 31, 2008
Improved recipe for Kiwi tarts?
New Zealand stopped jailing persons engaged in "the world's oldest profession" five years ago, and studies now show that the industry (which, of course, existed in full force prior to the legislative change) has changed very little, with a few positives in the mix:
The number of sex workers in New Zealand does not appear to have increased since legislation decriminalising prostitution became law[…]More than 60 per cent felt they were more able to refuse to provide commercial sexual services to a particular client since the enactment of the law.
Before the act, the illicit status of the industry meant workers were open to coercion and exploitation by managers, pimps and clients. Research indicated there had been "some improvement" in employment conditions "but this is by no means universal".
Keeping prostitution illegal, on the other hand, perpetuates the inability of society to be aware of violence, underage involvement, uncontrolled disease (including substance addiction), and other problems that plague the underground trade.
Look. I'm a very happily married man, so this isn't about me. This is about letting go of hangups and facing reality as a mature civilization. While prostitution has some unpleasant (and downright sad) implications, some adults have no qualms about participating in it; and since they will, then we ought to recognize their freedom to do so, and offer them the protection of the law, rather than prosecution thereunder.
Thoughtful rebuttals are welcome.
HT: The Agitator
Policy | By joe lance | 09:26 PM