by Jenny Heath
News Editor
    Prostitution. The word generally has a negative connotation, and as a profession, it is and always has been looked down upon. It implies a lack of morals, or mindless promiscuity. It also calls to mind women who have fallen into extreme poverty and have no other choice, which is typically the case.

    Prostitutes often have little protection or rights, socially or legally, especially in countries where prostitution is illegal. They are the victims of criminal assault and abuse, and are frequently arrested for their practice. Other dangers of prostitution include health risks such as STDs. Working conditions are generally terrible, and wages are not good. Many prostitutes, including most American ones, are forced to work for pimps or brothels, and see little of the money they make. Streetwalkers are more independent, but risk their safety. If raped or harmed, their suffering is often disregarded by the police simply because of their profession.

However, there are situations, in the United States as well as around the world, in which women choose prostitution and other sex work as a profession because it suits them. There are a number of organizations in the United States that support and defend those who practice prostitution safely and respectfully. These organizations work with international organizations to decriminalize, and sometimes to legalize the profession. They believe that prostitution should be treated like a job- with safety guidelines, unions, networks, and protection. Sexual health, disease control, education, and contraception are among their top priorities. As stated by the American Humanist Organization, “…any variety of sexual exploration- as long as it isn't exploitative or harmful- can't be considered evil, yet that is exactly how prostitution is regarded. If a woman or man chooses to exchange sex for money and does it in a way that causes no harm to either party, then they should be free to do so.”

    Though prostitution will likely never become a profession by preference, prostitutes should at the very least be protected and have rights so that their health and safety are not compromised because of a lack of respect for their line of work. Prostitution has often been called the “world’s oldest profession.” Judging by its legacy, it is not likely to go away. Therefore, something ought to be done to protect the workers of this business. The entire industry cannot simply be dismissed as abusive and immoral because this does nothing to alleviate the problems that exist within it. Efforts have been made by governments to eradicate prostitution, but have been largely unsuccessful. Kathleen Peratis, a New York civil rights attorney, commented, “We have, broadly, two choices: We can embark on the fool's errand of eradicating commercial sex, whether by punishing the suppliers and/or the users, making no distinction whatever regarding the circumstances or we can search out and punish coercion, while seeing to it that our response to those who choose ‘the life’ is humane and that we do not add to their calamities.”

    One way to do the latter is to legalize prostitution. The term legalization generally refers to a system of government regulation in which prostitutes would be licensed and required to work in specific ways. According to the International Union of Sex Workers, this often includes special taxes, registration and record keeping, health checks, and restriction of prostitutes to work in certain zones or in brothels. In addition, a minimum wage could be ensured for prostitutes, so that they have enough to live on.

    One of the most well-known examples of legalized prostitution is that of the Netherlands. A result of legalization there was the harsher punishment of forced prostitution. Also, the concern that brothels would spring up everywhere remains unfounded. Brothels now require a license, and are contained in red-light districts. Laws control, regulate, and better prosecute the exploitation of prostitution, especially that of minors. They also combat the presence of illegal aliens in prostitution (brothel owners can lose their licenses for hiring them) and the criminal affairs linked to prostitution. Streetwalking zones have been designated, allowing prostitutes to function as a community and giving them a safe place to meet with colleagues and talk to health care professionals. In addition, legalization of prostitution has provided a source of revenue for the government.

    Part of the reason that the Dutch system works so well is the liberal social attitude towards sex and sex work. “The tolerance, which we in Amsterdam are proud of, is not the same as indifference,” said the former Rector of Maastricht University. People are willing to respect and protect the rights of Dutch prostitutes, allowing the system to function smoothly.

    The United States needs to change its conservative social attitudes towards prostitution in order to make legalization possible. The necessary amount of respect and cooperation is simply not present at the moment, and would make the system ineffective. However, California, being a more liberal and freethinking state, might be able to take this step. In addition, countries around the world with more tolerant populations would do well to consider legalizing prostitution. If an effective system were established, regulation could help to ensure the safety, health, and happiness of prostitutes through recordkeeping, minimum wages, health checks, and prosecution of traffickers.
 
    Prostitution is not going away, so why not make something of it? According to Leah Platt, an American Prospect writer, “Sex work is here to stay, and by recognizing it as paid labor governments can guarantee fair treatment as well as safe and healthy work environments.”