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PUBLIC OPINION > Prostitution Should Be Legal

SodaHead Living 2012/07/26 21:00:00
The Global Commission on HIV and the Law issued a report suggesting that nations eliminate laws banning "consensual sex work" -- i.e., prostitution. It's an interesting claim coming from an organization aimed at preventing sexually transmitted disease, but their hope is that legalization would lead to regulation and safer practice. We asked the public if prostitution should be legal.

sodahead prostitutes

Nearly two-thirds of the population admitted that it thinks prostitution should be legal. However, it's important to understand that this doesn't necessarily reflect the public's moral opinion of the topic. The question is explicitly legal. Most people think it should be a choice. One commenter wrote, "By legalizing it, mandatory health screenings can be required for the safety of the prostitute and the buyer. Trying to keep it illegal only keeps the thing in the dark where roaches like to live. Bring it into the light of public attention and those roaches will scurry."

Men Are More Willing

Should we be surprised that men were more likely to support the legalization of prostitution? Of course, the Global Commission was not referring solely to female prostitution, but it is more often thought of as a service targeted at men. Actually, the difference wasn't that big. Men were only 11% more supportive than women. Women were still more likely to support legalization than refuse it.

Christian Resistance

Religion and politics provided the biggest defenders of criminalization -- Christians and conservatives. Both demographics were significantly less supportive than the rest. Since religion and politics are often closely related, it's probably not too much of a leap to assume that religion drives this one. Allowing the nation to embrace something that Christians consider to be immoral is a tough call to make.

Older Voters Are For It

Typically, older voters respond similarly to conservative voters. In this case, that means we would predict the older a voter got the less willing they would be to support the legalization of prostitution. Not so. Actually, most age groups were relatively similar. The only one that stood out noticeably was the 55-64 group, and they were 11% more likely to support legalization.

If you'd like to vote on this question, dig deeper into the demographics, or engage in existing discussion about the topic, visit our poll about legalizing prostitution. We'd love to hear from you!
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Top Opinion

  • Jiorgia 2012/07/26 21:30:50
    Jiorgia
    +18
    Seriously Christians, you see transactional sex between two consenting adults as worse then the rapes, abuse and murders that you are allowing to happen by keeping it illegal...

    Women in sex work cannot go to the police about rapes or abuse because of their profession and that is plain and simple WRONG.

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Opinions

  • dog 2012/12/01 20:56:48
    dog
    Why not the Presidents been buying them for years
  • zhu bajie 2012/09/14 03:31:59
    zhu bajie
    Marriage = legal prostitution?
  • bill 2012/08/28 19:43:29
    bill
    why not?
  • SACREDspace 2012/08/24 13:03:50
    SACREDspace
    I think the fact we are even discussing selling our "bodies" and "souls" and determing if it should be legal or not is rather amusing. If there were a way to sign your soul over to the "devil" or evil forces ... should we make it legal too and have little bright gum drops to lead them there? I guess this is a good way to control the population. They will get diseases whether it's legal or not - because that is how diseases are spread! The genitals are a disease breading space! So sure.. legalize it. Consume! And make our women realize once and for all - all we are to society is a prostitute. It's really nothing new - we've never been thought of highly or valued. So sure .. legalize it. Brand it. Make lots of money off it. It's the American (human) Way? ;-/ I am ready to go h(OM)e - this planet does and has never felt like HOME to me!
  • Todd The Libertarian 2012/08/20 21:17:45 (edited)
    Todd The Libertarian
    No our country can create better jobs for ladies than that
  • James 2012/08/20 02:29:30
    James
    As long as there are regulations to protect those that work in the profession and the clients then it's okay. Service taxes are also okay.
  • Mrs.Vader-BN0 2012/08/18 21:13:00
    Mrs.Vader-BN0
    Yes, as long as they are 18 or over and get regular health checks. Their body, their choice.
  • Daniel O'Hern 2012/08/14 14:09:31
    Daniel O'Hern
    Legalizing vices is what America should be all about if I want to catch aids or chlamydia
    Or herpes, or gonorrhea or syphilis it should be my choice maybe the government
    Could get involved and provide clean snatch.
  • Annabella 2012/08/12 18:49:50
    Annabella
    wow some ppl dont seee what is really happen there are girls FORCED to do this and they get brain washed to likeing it its really sad
  • Muriel 2012/08/03 02:14:24
    Muriel
    +1
    I think there would be less disease with the legalization of prostitution and less crime and graft associated with it.
  • VictorianBabe 2012/08/02 21:24:13 (edited)
  • paulette.s.ramirez 2012/08/02 05:01:39
    paulette.s.ramirez
    +1
    No. Its demeaning to women knowing that we are legaly allowed to get paid for sex. It specificly states in the bible that prostitution is wrong. Just because jails are getting full doesnt mean we just start legalizing evrything to make room in prisons or jails. Seriously would you want your baby girl out there selling her body??? No its wrong
  • paulett... paulett... 2012/08/02 05:09:19
    paulette.s.ramirez
    +2
    oh yeah i forgot to add if you ignorant people legalize prostitution...you just legalizing the "PIMP" buisness as well so think about this before you make your decision
  • Blondie paulett... 2012/08/02 21:51:09
    Blondie
    +2
    You're wrong. Quite the contrary, the "PIMP" business would be decreasing.If prostitution turns out to be legal, I think many women would be relying in legal agencies to manage them as prostitutes rather than a "PIMP" because It's just safer this way. Just tellin you my beliefes.
  • paulett... Blondie 2012/08/03 07:12:26
    paulette.s.ramirez
    +2
    its only my opinion and we all have our rights to our opions dont we so dont tell me that my opionion is wrong kuz thats just ur opionion
  • Blondie paulett... 2012/08/03 10:29:01
    Blondie
    +1
    Ok,Ok! You've got the right to have your own opinions. I only told you it is wrong because...because in this particular case, it really is. If you read de description of the question: "legalization would lead to regulation and safer practice" when they say "regulation" they're refering to the pimp business and its consequent decrease. Plus, It isn't so much an opinion of mine, Its more like..a fact, that surely will happend if prostitution turns out legal. Of course, you're free to choose not believe it, I'm not gonna shoot you just because you don't. AHAHAH
  • tesmith47 Blondie 2012/08/18 19:49:56
    tesmith47
    +1
    the pimp business only exist because commercial sex is illegal right now
  • J.FORT ... paulett... 2012/08/06 15:31:38
    J.FORT SMITH JR.
    +1
    WHY LOSE YOUR HEAD OVER A LITTLE PIECE OF TAIL>>>>
  • t.eliot, topbard 2012/08/01 19:08:20
    t.eliot, topbard
    Yes.
  • Commrade#371 2012/08/01 17:59:08
    Commrade#371
    +2
    Sure why not? If you don't want it don't pay for it
  • Blondie 2012/08/01 15:21:15
    Blondie
    +3
    I agree that it should be legal. It is the world's oldest job, it will be safer if it turns out legal and let's be honest: say what you want, those people work hard and risky everynight.
    BTW, I'm a christian.
  • Victori... Blondie 2012/08/02 21:20:45
    VictorianBabe
    +3
    If you're referring to the bible the oldest jobs would be farming and sheep herding. And just because it's an "old" job doesn't make it an okay job.
  • Blondie Victori... 2012/08/02 21:29:37 (edited)
    Blondie
    +1
    Well, according to bible, the first man and woman on earth were Adam and Eve, but I think science has proved many times that this is wrong. Besides, Im not saying that it is an "okay" job. It just would turn out to be more "okay" if it turns out legal. It would be a lot safer for them (example:"Women in sex work cannot go to the police about rapes or abuse because of their profession" ). They may be prostitutes, but they're also human beings.
  • Kid Neon 2012/08/01 14:43:12
  • skip 2012/08/01 10:09:32
    skip
    yes it will take out all the hot air out of the gop
  • Devin Pederson 2012/08/01 09:33:04
    Devin Pederson
    +2
    "Allowing the nation to embrace something that Christians consider to be immoral is a tough call to make".

    The United States is a secular nation, not a Christian one. The US shouldn't be running on Christian beliefs only.
  • paulett... Devin P... 2012/08/02 05:06:52
    paulette.s.ramirez
    +2
    The U.S.A is christian based the difference between this country and others........ freedom of religion. The U.S.A is asking us what we the people think. So its not just going by "christian beliefs
  • Leprachaun999 2012/08/01 09:28:02
    Leprachaun999
    Hey Why Not if Bristol Palin can do it
    Bristol Palin Prostitute
  • Watermusicranger 2012/08/01 08:59:34
    Watermusicranger
    +2
    Prostitution should be legal and taxed.
  • angela 2012/08/01 06:31:02
    angela
    +3
    Yeah, If two willing, consenting adults want to, then yeah, whatever, go for it. It's your body, do what you want with it.
  • yaoanbo 2012/08/01 04:18:42
    yaoanbo
    +1
    No,I think sex action is very dangerous. Once people in it ,it makes people hard to get over it,by prohibit the proatitution, at least tell people this is wrong. It would prevent the deseases from happening
  • Joe Blow 2012/08/01 02:01:33
    Joe Blow
    +1
    Sure, I'm all for legalizing prostitution from a taxing and regulating perspective, since attempting to stop it has proved to be a futile attempt. However, many choose to deflect the morbid fact that sex workers choose this line of work, because either their job cannot garner enough funds to support their "chemical" habits, or don't have a job at all, so they take the easiest avenue possible. I haven't met one single sex worker (Sex worker = Street walker, Escort, Stripper, et al) who didn't have an acute alcohol and drug habit.
  • RevBH Joe Blow 2012/08/01 03:56:46
    RevBH
    +1
    I have....runaways, abused women who've left their abusers, street kids....
  • Heisenberg 2012/07/31 20:53:23
    Heisenberg
    +3
    Yes, prostitution definitely should be legal and taxed. There's no question about that.
  • kzb75 2012/07/31 20:38:59
    kzb75
    +1
    Should Prostitution be Legal? YES. That way it can be taxed & the girls have to be tested for diseases, along with the johns having a mandatory condom use...
  • Kirby 2012/07/31 20:28:59
    Kirby
    +2
    Yes make it legal, nuff said!
  • Bouts2getitpoppinz 2012/07/31 19:37:32 (edited)
    Bouts2getitpoppinz
    +3
    im not trying to be a jerk im all for prostitution as long as nobody is being made to do anything against there will or being enslaved pimped out or bullied. We live in a sexually repressed society. sex is not evil lol not all women who prostitute themselves are gutter trash with no self worth. However i dont want young girls engaging in the act. While its true prostitution can lead to dangerous situations anything in the world can. All im saying is that if america isnt outlawing porn why is prostitution illegal. Im so serious when i say its becuase they can tax porn. Porn is pretty much the same as prostitution sex in exchange for money yet its legal cause government can tax it. Marijuana is being made legal in more places for the same reason. However government will make it so u need a license to sell it so that it can be taxed. Selling it on the streets will be illegal becuase they will make it so that you need a college degree to sell weed. That way they are still keeping people impoverished while fulfilling there own greedy self serving agendas as people just stan by and allow some nameless/faceless people to rule over us for all of eternity without question or any type of resistance.
  • Wayne Knight 2012/07/31 16:26:04
    Wayne Knight
    +6
    So long as it is illegal, it will exist on the black market and be run by criminals. Making it legal enables governments to regulate it, set standards of health and conduct, collect income and business taxes, and reduce human trafficking. If you run it like a legitimate business you can keep it clean.
  • J.FORT SMITH JR. 2012/07/31 15:42:29
    J.FORT SMITH JR.
    THE TREND TODAY BY OUR GOVERNMENT IS TO PRESENT A NEW CHOICE THAT SURELY BENEFITS EVERYONE--THE TRIED AND TRUE FOR BETTER REASONS THAN TODAYS IS PUSHED ASIDE. PROSTITUTION IS A FORM OF SLAVERY. THOUGHT THAT ENDED IN 1865?? CHURCHS WILL BE CLOSED AND WE HELP LOOSE THE ROARING LION. FREEDOM IS COSTING MORE THAN EVER-PROTITUTION IS MORALLY ILLEGAL. SIN BRO. SIN TOMORROW MAY NEVER COME..
  • Thank you but no... 2012/07/31 14:46:20
    Thank you but no...
    +1
    Prostitution is not illegal. Living off immoral earnings (being a pimp) and soliciting for the purpose of prostitution are.
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