Criminalizing prostitution does not eradicate it. It drives it underground, putting the women at risk and giving customers an unfair advantage. An ex-prostitute in Italy, where prostitution is illegal, told me of women who were beaten by their clients when they demanded payment. She had horrible stories of women being threatened with knives.
She told me of a Nigerian prostitute who was believed to have been killed by a customer. That is an extreme case, but the fact remains that criminalizing prostitution puts the women at the power of their customers. And we know how absolute power can corrupt absolutely.
One woman said she was asked for a bribe by a policeman who arrested her. Pimps have these sorts of illegal prostitutes in their power because the women can find no recourse to help. Also, they do not have as easy access to health care as the legal workers. Even though a charity in Antwerp provided free health care for illegal sex workers, some of these women did not feel safe accepting the help. Women who work legally enjoy huge benefits: better access to health care, protection from violent customers and protection from exploitation.
Antwerp has apparently one of the best bordellos in Europe, equipped with its own police station and high tech sensors. If prostitution is legalized, society gains income tax revenue that would have been otherwise lost. Granted, legalizing the profession might make it attractive for sex traffickers but the benefits outweigh this prospect. Join Opinion on Facebook and follow updates on twitter. Topics: Nevada , Sweden , human trafficking , prostitution.
Can legalized prostitution ever be safe and free of exploitation? Or should laws against prostitution remain? Rachel Lloyd, author, "Girls Like Us". Max Waltman, Stockholm University. Martha C. Nussbaum, University of Chicago. Barbara G. Brents, University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Stella Marr, Survivors Connect.
