The notion that the legalization of commercial sex would aid in minimizing its harm to society is a big myth. It would be safer if the sex trade were authorized by the government, controlled, and perceived like any other profession. However, countries that have decriminalized prostitution often face a sharp increase in human trafficking, violence, and pimping problems. Although some feel that the legalization of prostitution will better the working or safety conditions of the sex workers, the outcome is often an increase in human trafficking and reinforce the oppression of women in male-dominated communities.
Prostitution should be legalized because it will increase human trafficking and violence. It is essential to observe that many victims of this vice are often women or young girls. Many of them end up being sexually assaulted or exploited and forced into prostitution. For example, the rise of pimps and violent gangs that abduct women from poor backgrounds worldwide will increase security problems. Hence, human trafficking is primarily caused by the position, and legalizing it will only worsen the situation.
Legalizing commercial sex will demean many efforts made to help achieve equality in many parts of the world. This act is highly degrading to ladies as it lowers them to a product that can be bought, sold, or assaulted. Considering that many prostitutes are mainly women, legalizing it would reinforce their oppression in male-dominated societies and stay far from the idea of gender equality. Thus, eliminating legal barriers will offer a demeaning message to coming generations that ladies are merely sexual tools.
However, support for the legalization of prostitution holds that this process will enhance their working conditions. The commercial sex industry is approximated to be worth billions of dollars that never benefits the national government because it is done illegally. Regardless of the claims supporting this industry, this practice is evil and causes more harm than good for those involved. Therefore, strong measures against commercial sex should be established to help protect women in our society.
In sum, while many feel legalizing prostitution will make the business safer, the truth is the entire practice encourages violence and oppression of women in male-dominant communities. This industry creates an image that women and girls are nothing but commodities for the abuse and amusement of men. Developing strict measures against prostitution will ensure that human traffickers and pimps are dealt with accordingly, and women are granted equal opportunities rather than being exposed to more danger.
