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Legalizing Prostitution

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Submitted By niyakm
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Pages 3
Legalizing prostitution has been an ongoing debate for many years. One recent article, dated April 19, 2012, suggests that it should be legalized. The author’s view is one that is for the legalization of prostitution and she argues that “sex workers are a valuable members to the community who deserve legal rights, not punishment”, she also claims that “sex workers contribute a great deal to their families and their communities” (Leigh, 2012). I disagree with this article for many reasons. Prostitution is a violation of human rights for numerous reasons. Some of those reasons include, but are not limited to; sexual harassment, rape, battering, verbal abuse, domestic violence, a racist practice, a violation of human rights, childhood sexual abuse, a consequence of male domination of women, and a means of males holding domination over women (Farley, 2000). Leigh also states in her article that “studies show a reduction in violence when sex work is legal” (2012), but according to Farley’s fact sheet, this proves to be untrue for the following reasons; 62% reported having been raped in prostitution, 73% have reported being physically assaulted in prostitution, 83% are victims of assault with a weapon, 75% of women in escort prostitution have attempted suicide, and 67% meet diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Farley, 2000). In my opinion, Leigh did not put up a valid argument as to why prostitution should be legalized. She used many fallacies and little facts to support her point of view. There were no credible sources sited to support her arguments. I believe she was an interested party because she would have gained from my belief in her claim. I also think that her whole article was of the rhetoric nature, as it was based on her personal emotions. Another fallacy that I noticed was the use of scare tactics. By stating that violence was reduced where prostitution was legal could fall into this category. Rationalizing and the subjectivist fallacy may have been used as well. She did use false pretense to satisfy her own beliefs as well as believing her idea was true and right simply because she thinks it is. All in all, there are many different opinions on this subject. Leigh’s was obviously on the supporting side but she failed to provide any credible sources for her beliefs. I, on the other hand, am on the opposing end of this argument and have many valid sources to support my beliefs.

Reference page:

Labor laws, not criminal laws, are the solution. (2012, April). The New York Times , (), . Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/04/19/is-legalized-prostitution-safer/labor-laws-not-criminal-laws-are-the-solution-to-prostitution
Farley, M. (2000). Prostitution:factsheet of human rights. Retrieved from http://crime.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=crime&cdn=newsissues&tm=133&gps=123_10_1441_676&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_p504.6.342.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.prostitutionresearch.com/factsheet.html

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