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Decriminalizing
Prostitution Can Stop Illegal Brothels, Trafficking of Women and
Increase Public Health and Safety
1.
If prostitution were decriminalized there would be no illegal black
market for women sex slaves. If we remove the profit incentive, we
remove the motivation of the traffickers.
2.
If prostitution were decriminalized the existing zoning laws would
prevent brothels from opening in residential neighborhoods. Laws that
apply to legitimate businesses would also apply to brothels.
3.
If prostitution were decriminalized licensed brothel owners would not
jeopardize their business by hiring illegal, underage or trafficked
women.
4. If prostitution were decriminalized
it would allow law enforcement the ability to concentrate on
determining and distinguishing between child prostitution and
consensual adult prostitution.
5. If prostitution were decriminalized it will help
eliminate pimps by providing prostitutes with occupational choices.
6.
If prostitution were decriminalized it would help prevent violent
offenders from remaining on the streets. With equal protections under
the law prostitutes could report assaults perpetrated against them or
others without fear of prosecution. Criminals perpetrating crimes
against sex workers are a danger to everyone in society.
7.
If prostitution were decriminalized it would promote the mental health
of prostitutes. Many women involved in illegal sex work feel isolated
and ashamed.
8. If prostitution were
decriminalized it will improve health education, STD and AIDS
prevention outreach. Education will allow people to make safer choices
about sexual health. Police using condoms as evidence of a crime does
not promote safe sex.
9. Laws against
prostitution have no effect on demand, but have a profound effect on
the safety and well being of sex workers and society as a whole.
10. A criminal record impedes mobility from the sex worker industry to other occupations. If prostitution were decriminalized sex workers would be able to move from one occupation to another without fear of discrimination.
