Decriminalize Sex Work Now

I do not understand how something that is legal and consensual when no money is involved becomes illegal when money is involved. Decriminalization is different than legalization.

According to the website ProCon, (accessed Oct. 2, 2016) Kimberly Klinger, writer, in the Jan.-Feb. 2003 The Humanist article "Prostitution, Humanism, and a Woman's Choice," wrote:

"Decriminalization essentially means the removal of laws against this (prostitution) and other forms of sex work…

By contrast the term legalization usually refers to a system of governmental regulation of prostitutes wherein prostitutes are licensed and required to work in specific ways…. This is the practice in Nevada, the only state in the United States where brothels are legal. Although legalization can also imply a decriminalized, autonomous system of prostitution, the reality is that in most 'legalized' systems the police control prostitution with criminal codes. Laws regulate prostitutes' businesses… prescribing health checks and registration of health status."

Consenting adults should be free to express their sexuality their own individual way, even if that involves the exchange of money. A common argument used against sex work is that laws against sex work are necessary to prevent human trafficking. According to the website ProCon the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), in "Fight Trafficking in Persons" on its website (accessed Apr. 19, 2007) stated:

"What is trafficking in persons? Trafficking in persons — also known as 'human trafficking' — is a form of modern-day slavery. Traffickers often prey on individuals who are poor, frequently unemployed or underemployed, and who may lack access to social safety nets, predominantly women and children in certain countries. Victims are often lured with false promises of good jobs and better lives, and then forced to work under brutal and inhuman conditions."

Trafficking is a terrible thing. Trafficking is slavery. Let me say it again human trafficking is a terrible thing and, decriminalizing sex work is NOT legalizing human trafficking. The fact that sex work is criminal encourages, not discourages, human trafficking because people involved in sex work are not protected by the law.

The illegality of sex work stigmatizes sex workers and makes it easier for sex workers to be victimized. Incarcerating sex workers makes it more, not less, likely that sex workers will have a hard time finding work other than sex work once they have a criminal record. The illegality of sex work makes it harder for sex workers to leave sex work.

It is long past time to decriminalize sex work. It's the right thing to do. It's the sex positive thing to do.