Topic > Crimes Mala Prohibita - 531

Prostitution is considered the oldest profession in the world. In any major city in the world, prostitution is a lifestyle and a thriving business. Many argue that prostitution is a victimless crime and should be legalized. In America, prostitution is against the law and is enforced by law enforcement across the country. “Cities across the United States spent an average of $7.5 to $16 million per year to enforce prostitution laws and address negative outcomes associated with prostitution” Murphy, L. (2010 p. 785) . In other countries prostitution is legal but often limited to a specific area of ​​the city. The “Red Light District” is probably the most well-known area or district in the world, and there are those who believe that America should adopt prostitution laws similar to those in Germany. Those who argue that prostitution is a victimless crime and believe it should be legalized have turned a blind eye to how it affects relationships, women (prostitutes), the porn industry, and drug use in our society. When comparing prostitution to drug use, many would argue that drug use causes more harm to society than prostitution. There is no doubt that drugs are harmful to our society, but prostitution is often associated with organized crime. These criminal organizations control the women involved by providing them with drugs to use and/or sell. Prostitutes often choose to use drugs to make the pain of guilt, shame, or abuse exist in their lives. An article written by L. Murphy (2010), revealed through research and time spent interviewing twelve women involved in prostitution that, “Ten of the twelve women were currently using drugs, with heroin being the drug of choice. The duration of drug use is largely correlated with the incidence of prostitution.” It becomes a vicious cycle that often has a tragic ending. It goes without saying that there are health problems associated with drug use. A prostitute who uses drugs has a greater chance of spreading a disease as she has intercourse with "John" causing a greater threat or harm to society. Pornography, much like prostitution, is considered a victimless guilty pleasure. Pornography is a billion-dollar industry that society has accepted as a more tolerable form of prostitution. Research M. Farley, R. Lloyd and SM Berg, (2007 p. 2) indicated in their article that "49% of 854 prostituted people reported that pornography was made of them while in prostitution. Just because a woman is considered an actress, and having sex with other actors in the name of art or cinema is not okay”.