Proponents of libertarianism support the legalization of what they see as victimless crimes, such as recreational drug and alcohol use, gun ownership, and prostitution. However, the legalization of prostitution has had positive benefits for sex workers across Europe. The best-known country that has legalized prostitution is the Netherlands, where sex work has been legal for nearly two decades. Taking the industry out of the black market and imposing strict regulations has improved the safety of sex workers. Brothels must obtain and renew safety and health licenses to operate, and street prostitution is legal and highly regulated in places like the Red Light District. Not only does sex work become safer when regulated, but legalization also helps eliminate the black market in prostitution and make women safer overall. In addition, sex workers are not labeled criminals, so they have better access to the legal system and are encouraged to report behaviours that pose a danger to themselves and other women in the industry. Finally, the legalization of sex work will bring many other positive externalities, including tax revenues, the reduction of sexually transmitted diseases, and the redistribution of law enforcement resources. Meanwhile, in the United States, we are cracking down on the tools sex workers like to use backpage.com.
The website that allowed escorts to list their services was shut down earlier this month, and the co-founders and others associated with the company were accused of facilitating prostitution. Attorney General Jeff Sessions described the site as “the dominant market for illegal commercial sex, a place where sex traffickers often advertise to children and adults.” (One co-founder pleaded guilty to conspiracy to facilitate prostitution; the other co-founders pleaded not guilty.) The Law Against Online Sex Trafficking (FOSTA) promises to further reduce the legal protections of these websites, meaning more of them are likely to be shut down in the future. Illegal street prostitutes could be pressured by pimps and clients to stop using condoms. But states that legalize prostitution can force sex workers to use condoms and get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. Amnesty International has also advocated for the decriminalisation of prostitution, saying that sex workers must not only push for policies that protect sex workers from harm and coercion, but also “sex workers must have a say in making laws that affect their lives and safety. But without decriminalization, they cannot expect equal treatment before the law to achieve these goals. SEATTLE, Washington – Looking at sex work through the lens of women`s empowerment versus oppression, there is evidence that legalizing prostitution can have individual and economic benefits. In the Netherlands, prostitution has operated under an effective regulated system for almost two decades. Regulatory practices that restrict sexual behaviour are essential to understanding how different societies perceive sex and sexual activity, and to understanding the benefits of legalizing prostitution. In collaboration with the London School of Economics, economist Axel Dreher of the University of Heidelberg analysed the relationship between human trafficking and prostitution laws in 150 countries. “If prostitution is legal, there is more human trafficking, simply because the market is bigger,” he says.
The growing support for women`s rights as workers is an important step for the stability and protection of prostitutes. The Netherlands is just one example of a successful regulatory system in which prostitution is legalized and health and safety standards are enforced. This type of public policy on sexuality allows the government to enforce codes and regulations that benefit both the worker and the client. Legalization does not necessarily mean public approval of prostitution practices, but it does guarantee sex workers a decent life and a safer working environment. The overall benefits of legalizing prostitution are considerable and could prove to be an advantage in the fight against global poverty. Why people are uncomfortable listening to sex workers talk about legalizing prostitution has nothing to do with concerns about women`s health and safety.