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Gabrielle Dunlap
Maria Labbato
LBST 2101- History of Sexuality
02 December 14

Legalization of Prostitution
Whats the real problem with prostitution being legal? What two consenting adults do
behind closed doors is their own business. This is proven in 2003 when the Supreme Court made
a landmark decision that made same-sex sexual activity legal in every U.S. state and territory.
The case that caused this change was Lawrence v. Texas (When Prostitution Wasnt a Crime).
Background information about this case includes a Houston police officer walking in Lawrences
apartment and seeing him with another adult man; they were engaging in a private, consensual
sexual act (Lawrence and Garner v. Texas). Both men were arrested and convicted due to a
violation of a Texas statute. The statute, or written law, forbids two persons of the same sex to
engage in sexual conduct (Lawrence and Garner v. Texas). But what makes two people of the
same sex different than two people of the opposite sex? Were all human, right?
Prostitution dates back to 2400 B.C., when female prostitutes were considered
entertainers (Historical Timeline). Around 1161, Henry II regulated prostitution by prohibiting
forced prostitution. In December of 1254, King Louis IX of France abolished prostitution
because he that of prostitutes as women of evil life (Historical Timeline). Prostitution is
defined as the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment.
What crime is in the practice or engaging in sexual activity? None at all. Legalizing prostitution

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would reduce crime rates, improve public health, and allow consenting adults to make their own
decision. In addition to these major effects, it would increase tax revenue, help people out of
poverty, and get prostitutes off the streets (Legal Prostitution).
Prostitution is often referred to as a crime, but is it really? When prostitutes go out to do
their job, theyre not doing anything harmful. In my opinion, prostitutes work for what they
want by simply fulfilling someones needs thats willing to give them their wants. This is the
same thing a person who has a job does; they go work a 9 to 5 job to get the money they need to
support themselves. What crime is in getting what helps you from day to day? Over 600,000
people are involved in sex-related jobs, and more than 20% go to jail for it (Historical
Timeline). Theres no violence being done; therefore, crime rates would go down. As crime
rates go down, good health will rise. Good health isnt only about being healthy; its about being
in a happy state physically and mentally. With legalization of prostitution, it can aid with good
health. Most people think of the many STDs, such as HIV and AIDS when they think of
prostitution. If someone would like to become a prostitute, they would have to get tested before
officially becoming one; as well as, getting biweekly test. It wont stop the spread, but it will
help with the prevention of it. Not only does it assist in the prevention and spread of STDs, but it
helps with ones sexual life. Sex is good for your health (Should Prostitution Be Legal?). It can
relieve you of stress, lower you blood pressure, and even improve sleep. This can be obtained by
the choice of having sex. Most people who engage in sexual activity do it by choice; its up to
them to take part in sex. People have the right to do whatever they want with their bodies
(Should Prostitution Be Legal?). If one wants to sell or take part in prostitution, then they
shouldnt be stopped from doing what they want to do. You cant stop someone from making
their own decisions because its their life, and they can live it however they please.

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At the end of the day, many individuals will do whatever their heart desires. Whether
thats selling their bodies to get what they want, or even partaking in sexual activity with a
stranger. You cant stop one for doing what they want. Prostitution is a choice and should be
legalized for the many benefits that come with it. The reduce in crime rates, improving health,
and allowing people to make their own decisions are some of the effects that come with this
change, as well as increase of tax revenue and helping people get out of poverty. Not only does
the legalization change crime rates, but it helps with the two things many people care for: health
and money. Therefore is there really anything wrong with prostitution or people engaging in
sexual activity as a job? Or are we afraid of taxation?