[edshuck]

This is a clean discussion.

This article is in the paper today.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg...AG2F88OHR1.DTL

Here is my take on prostitution.

1. Its been around for a long time.

2. Never has been "eradicated" by any society.

3. Is needlessly a vector for STD.

I think it is time that it is made legal, the participants protected by law, and some regulation as to the conduct of the business.

[Penny]

They decriminalised prositution here just this year, or maybe last year. Sometime anyway. I don't see a difference myself, but then I don't really hang out in the same areas as they do. The only difference is the local "massage" palour the advertisments in the paper changed slightly.

[NiteFenix]

Legal or not, Prostitution is wrong and not counting STD's into the equation, it is an insult to the whole idea of sex.

Period.

[Sparklechick]

I've typed three replies to this topic so far and deleted them all.

I'm not really sure what I think about it.

I think it's a shame that people turn to prostitution and it's a shame that people turn to prostitutes to fulfil their sexual needs. But it's a reality and has been around for some time so I guess it's not something that is ever going to go away.

[Penny]

Agreeed Sparkley Gal, I wrote a reply to Nite Fenix but deleted it to. I agree with what you said, it has always been around. I too don't know why people turn to it, I think they think they have no other choice. I wouldn't go that way. However I think it is good that it is decriminalised becuase that means these people who feel they need to turn to it, aren't punished more.

[kall]

Alrighty.

Time for another insight into the mind of Kall.

If a crime is 'victimless', what right does anyone have to call it a crime?

As I see it, the maximum role of civil government is the protection of life, liberty, and property...it has no right to tell me what I can put into myself, or conversely (and more appropriate to this conversation) what I can put into other people on a consentual basis.

With specific regard to prostitution, prior to the bill being passed in NZ, it was only the woman who was breaking a law...the man was not charged with visiting the prostitute...how is that fair?

With legalisation/decriminalistion, the sex workers are able to more openly receive ACC (Accident Compensation) and other medical care. Before, their actions were 'illegal' and possibly a block to them being fully open with their health provider.

Yep, I am a firm believer in decriminalisation of prostitution, among other things.

Just because it is legal doesn't mean it is compulsory, nor does it mean that brothels will be have to be built right next door to preschools or anything.

[dribblor]

Simple question really;

What right does anyone (govt included) have to influence the sex related decisions that any individual makes?

If people are desperate enough to pay, let them
If other people want/need to get paid for it, let them.

None of my business

I can make moral and ethical judgements all I want in my life, but I have no right to make them for anyone else.

Cos I dont want them making them for me.

[edshuck]

Originally Posted by dribblor

Simple question really;

What right does anyone (govt included) have to influence the sex related decisions that any individual makes?

Almost, but I would want regulation. Testing for STDs in the time of AIDS would be a must.

Often it becomes or is a form of slavery. I think the only way to end that is to put in some regulations.

I am most interested in the thoughts penny brought forward about little change noticed.

Child slavery and prostitution was almost pandemic at the end of the 19th century. In some countries it continues today. This should be stopped.

It is a tough question. Really tough.

Perhaps Nite Fenix has the answer. I think it may be an ultimate answer and society is not there just yet.

[KJM7]

Originally Posted by edshuck

This is a clean discussion.

This article is in the paper today.

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg...AG2F88OHR1.DTL

Here is my take on prostitution.

1. Its been around for a long time.

2. Never has been "eradicated" by any society.

3. Is needlessly a vector for STD.

I think it is time that it is made legal, the participants protected by law, and some regulation as to the conduct of the business.

Yes, I concur with you Ed....much like anything.....the more they try to take it away from us the more we will not let it go.