The basic problem, of course, is that prostitution causes a lot of abuse and trafficking. There is constant discussion about the poor trafficked woman versus the "happy prostitute". For some reason, some people seem to think those are in any way mutually exclusive, which, of course, they aren't; both exist.
The main reason (there are, of course, moralists and puritans of various confessions eagerly jumping the bandwagon) for this debate is the whish to stop trafficking and abuse. I see several problems with outlawing prostitution, however:
It will only further marginalize those we most want to help: The trafficked women who are already often illegal immigrants, drug addicts, etc. Whoever wants to abuse them will have a further weapon: Now their very business is a crime.
We have very bad past experiences with outlawing things that people do to satisfy their urges. Usually organized crime is the only winner.
How exactly will you define prostitution. OK, the hooker in the street is clear enough, but what about the person who sleeps with somebody in return for a carreer advance, a pay raise, or gifts? Where do you put the limit?
Also, If we say that prostitution is selling sex, then what exactly is sex? Intercourse, of course, but what about a blow-job? Certain kinds of massage? Striptease? Posing for porn photos?
Hans
