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Prostitution is legal in India simply because in was never made illegal.

Yes organizing prostitution etc


are illegal but prostitution as an interpersonal thing isn't. So the real question is, should prostitution
be allowed regulation and should prostitutes be given rights and protected?
My opinion: hell yeah. Here are my reasons for saying so:
1. It should be made legal so that the government can assure that the girls are not forced into the
business via human trafficking and take up prostitution only by choice. It would also help assure that
underage girls are not pushed into the business.
2. It should be made legal to keep a check on the spread of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV by
providing safe sex counseling and providing safety guidelines etc. After all it is no secret that
prostitutes are one of the greatest sufferers and sources of STDs.
3. I think most prostitutes are in the business due to financial crisis or personal crisis of other sorts. If
they are registered then they can be assisted in recovering from the unfortunate situation in their life
by providing financial assistance and counseling.
4. It has been suggested that prostitution can help bring down sexual violence and rape. Though it
may not be true but if it is then it would be one big reason.
5. It can protect them from persecution by many unscrupulous persons in position of power. For
example, police men who use them under threat of legal actions etc.
I think that the greatest obstacle that legalization of prostitution faces is the moral outrage people
tend to show on bringing up the subject. I tend to view the subject amorally and rationally, hence my
conclusion. The real debate I think shouldn't be on whether it should be legalized but the form of the
legalization. What should be the form of in which prostitution should be legalized? That if you ask me
is the real difficult question.
Updated 8 Oct View Upvotes

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Anonymous
5.4k Views

No.
It doesn't work that way. Here are few of the reasons:

1.Prostitution cannot eliminate rape: Prostitution turns women into object of men's sexual use. They
can be bought (prostitution) or stolen(rape). Promoting a culture where women can be bought , is the
one where rape flourishes.
2. Sex trafficking: One can reasonably guess that people consider it as a last choice and a large portion
of prostitutes are actually forced into prostitution. Legalizing it would encourage pimps to deceive
impressionable youth into this business. Our newspapers are filled with stories of how people 'sold'
their female family members. If this is happening when prostitution is illegal, think what will happen
when it is made legal.
3. Commercialization of crime: When a pimp compels a prostitute to submit to sexual demands as a
condition of employment, it is exploitation, sexual harassment, or rape -- acts that are based on the
prostitute's compliance rather than her consent. It does not matter whether she gets financial
reimbursements for it. Moreover, think about what the clients will carry about image of women after
their routine encounters with prostitutes.
4. Legalized prostitution fails: Amsterdam where prostitution has been legalized has become the
center of world's largest human trafficking and money laundering schemes. Normalization of
prostitution has increased the occurrence of rape in places like Nevada. Turning women into
commodity, because of failure to protect them against rapes, is the ultimate failure of state machinery.
Legalized Prostitution is a Failed Social Experiment
Written 20 Dec 2012 View Upvotes

Quora User, Bharatiya!


2.6k Views

In my opinion it will make sense to legalize prostitution while making consumption of prostitution an
illegal activity. Also all other activities related to prostitution such as soliciting, pimping etc. should be
made illegal.
This will give the unfortunate women a right to reach out to law enforcement agencies whenever she
wants without the fear of getting arrested.
As a society I think we should not bother about the consumers of prostitution but bother about those
unfortunate women who get pulled into this business unwillingly and get exploited in multiple ways.
Say a prostitute is beaten up badly by her customer, she can not go to police because she will get
arrested immediately. But with a more sensible legal system she can get legal protection.
However I don't think prostitution has any relation to the rapes.
Written 25 Dec 2012 View Upvotes

Quora User, In one or more embodiments


1.7k Views

Firstly, I think that Indian laws regarding prostitution are fuzzy.


There are no quick fix solutions to this problem. One can argue for legalization of prostitution on the
grounds that it eliminates the middlemen, brings into focus related activities such as child
trafficking et al. One can also argue against legalization by pointing out that prostitution
commoditizes sex (flimsy argument) or that prostitution is essentially a concept relating to the female
sex (the argument of the feminists).
Prostitution has been legalized in developed countries with high literacy rates. Or at least said
developed countries are sexually active in the "mainstream." In India's case, I think this is a problem.
At least outwardly, Indians (of course, non-Indians do too) hold on to the notion that sex is exclusive
and assign emotional value to it bordering the religious. Legalizing prostitution would, therefore, be
heresy. The exclusivity notion is even more common among illiterates who not only hold on to the
aforementioned values but also regard males to be superior to females. It is in this context that the
feminist accusation has meaning. When "whoring" or prostitution is associated with the female sex,
there will always be a power relation between the male and the female (male - aggressor, female submissive), regardless of whether prostitution is legalized or not. Therefore, for moral consistency
across all sexes, male prostitution should also be legalized if female prostitution is legalized; the
argument can be extended to transgenders too. The onus, therefore, lies in creating an environment
for gender equality; this is not the equal rights fare where women being the same type of "brats" as
men are/were is the deal; gender equality should also take into account gender differences.
Thus, to prevent rapes and other cases of sexual harassment, a changing mindset towards gender
equality is what is required through education. Such an education should also engender respect for
women and consensual behaviour (will be a necessary consequence if the former is engendered). If
such a mindset results in the need to legalize prostitution, then why not?
Written 19 Dec 2012 View Upvotes Asked to answer by Anonymous

Sachit Kwatra Request Bio


1.3k Views

Since the topic demands decision,I believe it should be legal,as it is already legal in India.The people
who are not satisfied and are in greater need ,instead of beating up their women, sexually assualting
the innocents,or the case of women empowerment ,sex for money would be relevant beating all
odds.As a society we should bother about those women who get pulled into this business
unwillingly..Government was not in deep slumber when they made sex for money legal in India.
Legalising 'SEX FOR MONEY' prevent pimps to impose the women to get into this business ,otherwise
the former would be doing what is best for business,causing women trafficking.Keeping away the
religious values,it is better to think of the good results.In.In Our county,when it comes to
prostitution,only rarer of the faces wants to share their voice, but more than that pays for sex.There
are women who are themselves indulged in this profession since ages,and they had not been forced.
But,certain aspects in this must be curbed .We cannot directly change the mind of our people as
prostitution is considered as a TABOO ,The 'KOTHAS' should be confined to certain places otherwise
it would put a bad impact on the our people as per both, our religion as well as ethics.
Written 2 Oct 2013 View Upvotes

Qwan Blue Request Bio


764 Views

This is very important issue for woman and its sad that many woman(forget men) do not understand
the basic fact that prostitution is exploitation of a woman. The second most important factor is human
trafficking especially children which only exists because prostitution is LEGAL in many countries or in
certain countries where its Illegal but exists because of corruption or powerful Pimps. I will address
both one by one in detail.
1. How prostitution should be Illegal.
Let me use rape as an analogy to help you understand how Prostitution should be Illegal. Otherwise
people will start arguing "who are you to decide if a woman should or should not have sex" and all
other irrelevant arguments.
Let me make the statement that Prostitution Should be illegal like Rape is.
When a rape is committed there is a criminal and the victim, the lady. Rape is Illegal the rapist is
punished, right? Is the victim punished? NO.(well maybe in Islamic countries if the rapist denies
raping and there aren't 4 male witnesses to certify otherwise, then the victim is punished for adultery
as the rape allegation is taken as a confession to adultery).
Same way in prostitution the one soliciting should be punished, Since It is an exploitation the woman
is a victim. And she should not be punished. This works very well in Sweden Iceland and other Nordic
countries that have the best woman's rights.
2. Human trafficking and forced prostitution.
Why rape is a such a perfect analogy especially when people argue that if a woman wants to be a
prostitution we should allow her too become one or join a brother and work under a pimp(who
allegedly protects her). Even if prostitution as an industry is the main reason human trafficking exists
and forced prostitution can never be identified.
In India alone 50000 little girls go missing to be supplied to the prostitution industry in America it is
much more and girls below 13 go missing.
So Can we sacrifice all these little girls and forced prostitutes for the sake of a few "imaginary"(not to
mention lazy and deluded) woman who want to willingly sell their bodies?
Well here comes Rape again. There are many sexual surveys that show that many woman have listed
Rape fantasy as the their top most fantasy. Many even arrange to get raped by strangers on Craiglist.
This is mock rape but they do it with strangers to make it even more real. They also do it with their
won lover/husbands who enter the house and mock rape them with a mask on.
So obviously now if these woman love getting raped does that men we make rape legal just so that
these woman can have the "freedom" and "choice" to get raped because "SHE WANTS TO".
that would endanger every other woman out there.
I think I can rest my case on the argument that a woman should be allowed to do what she wants.
But I will add some more stuff like ask any prostitute if she had a billion dollars she would not be a
prostitute she would hire male prostitutes if she liked fucking so much.
the only reason woman are prostitutes is because they need money.
This brings to other points I will touch briefly.
3. Prostitution is the oldest profession
I will again explain with an analogy Lets say your friend get into the profession of a hairstylist. What
would do to help her?

Obviously you might tell your friends. Your Father and if you are a woman your husband too maybe to
get their hair cut by your friend to help her out.
As she is new in her profession.
Now can you do that in prostitution? Can a woman tell her husband...."Hey my friend has become a
prostitute so please go and give her some business she really needs the money" or can you tell your
father "Hey dad......".
I rest my case on this one too....But If this really is a profession then it should be taught in vocational
guidance.
I will tell you about an argument with my ex-girlfriend(my ex for obvious reasons :-P) who was from
Czech Republic where prostitution is legal.
She argued that some woman just want an easy life it is their choice. SO I told her that ....Well if you
truly believe that then you should tell your future daughter..."Hey you have the option to be a lawyer,
artist, doctor but if you want an easy life then you can also become a prostitute" and Then i said the
same above after your daughter becomes a prostitute you should then tell your friend and family to
give her some 'Business". Well if you can't do that then don't justify it.
Because I know when my Cousin became a Cab driver she told all our family and friends to give hire
him if they wanted to go anywhere. That is a profession.
Then her next argument was what brings me to the next point
4. What if woman is need of money she is doing it out of desperation
My ex girl tried to corner me by asking me what would you do if a woman came up to you and said she
had not money to eat or pay her rent. She wanted some money in return for sex would you not help
her by having sex with her.
I first tol her that if she expects my answer to me yes then she should dump me or else I will dump her
:-P
I then asked would you be ok if your boyfriend would sleep with woman to help her.
Then I said my answer is NO! and waited for her response. She said "would you let her die of hunger"
I said I only said not to having sex I WILL GIVE HER THE MONEY!!! What you think I am some
demon? that I will exploit a hungry woman do you think I am that fucked up that I will get aroused to
fuck a hungry woman who know what she has gone through to arrive at the decision to sell her body.
You should be ashamed as a woman to even expect a man to say yes, when the simple answer would
be help a woman in despair without fucking her!!
I told her I would get her a job even let her stay at my place. I think this is what needs to change and
this is the what is wrong with the way people look at prostitution.
Why would anyone want to take advantage of a woman in need or hungry and poor. It is on a
reflection of how much humanity has degraded. because that money is gone poof** for sex. They could
as well donate it to a woman in need.
This is what is wrong with how people especially woman think on this issue. They are thinking for
someone else not for them. I ask every woman and man here (GOD FORBID) but what if tomorrow
you or your mother sister wife are in such a position that they have to beg for money from somebody
and what if instead of that person giving them money asks them to prostitute themselves for the
money??
How would you like it? Then how can you decide that other woman should do it.
Because what we don't realize especially when some HORRIBLE people say that prostitute will stop
rapes. that they are the ones actually decided what a woman should do.
I only tell them if you want to save woman from getting raped if you are woman then become a
prostitute and give special service for would be rapists or make your daughter/mother/Sister a

prostitute.
Don't take a stance where someone else's daughter/mother/Sister will never get out of prostitution or
forcing them to take a fuck for other woman.
there are other arguments that don't make sense at all. Woman especially should understand that
living in a world without prostitution(stripping and porn which is nothing but "filmed prostitution"
that is the literally meaning of the word pornography) is the ultimate world where woman will not be
exploited. Otherwise it is just like Rape We tell men not to rape. We should tell men not exploit a
woman's body but if they have the money to help them selflessly.
Since many men won't agree as they just want to fuck more than anything else, we have to make rape
and prostitution Illegal.(but where only the criminal is punished and not the victim that is the
woman).
I rest my case completely now :)
Written 27 Feb View Upvotes

Kanupriya Jain Request Bio


628 Views

I am a liberal and I am a feminist, which made me ambivalent about the issue prostitution.
check the link for full answer with examples -From Dharavi to Red light area: should prostitution be
legalized?
Written 10 Jun

Divya Jain Request Bio


463 Views

I feel prostitution should not be legalised in consideration with following points1. Proper legislation of prostitution means that you are leagelising the concept of 'women's
body on sale' giving it judiciary and societal acceptance. This will not only degrade the
status of women but will make sex trade as an attractive mean to earn money. In India
already poor and uneducated families which still forms a large part of India and most of
them considers girl child as a burden would find it easy and attractive mean.
It's true that today also many minors are sold out for prostitution by their parents and relatives only
but legalisation will give them a easy mean and as it happens today also at many places that since
childhood a girl is taught that she should use her body to earn money, this thing will become more
prevalent and the concept of girl's education will get a major hit. Even the sex workers who today at
least are concerned about their children's education will become more sleek.
2. As far as the exploitation of sex workers is concerned it is a provision under Immoral Traffic
Prevention act 1986, women who themselves want to leave this profession are provided with
rehabilitation. What government should do that those workers who are caught should be provided
with proper counseling, education , monetary and non monetary support so that they understand
their real power become empowered and live a dignified life. They can be enrolled in various short
term vocational courses so that they can find life outside red areas. In India most of the women and
children choose this or are made to choose this profession as necessitated out of urgent needs created
by poverty and non unavailability of any other alternative and lack of education. Their children as they
meet with discrimination in schools and society should be provided with reservation. In this way

government would be using the reservation in support of actually discriminated and backward class .
3. For now the pompous clients involved with the prostitutes are also at fault and are eligible for
punishment. Legislation would will give more wings to these people and it can also lead to many
divorces and breakdown of family structures.
At present also many people are there within the families and outside who considers women as sex
objects and this legalisation will act as a rider to this thought.
4. It is true that proper justice can't be provided to the sex workers because police is also involved with
the brothel mafias. But this is not a proper or strong argument in support of legalisation. Drugs
trading is illegal but it is still traded and smuggled in India. People from the administration are
involved with these drug mafias. But government don't legalise this trade on the pretext that a person
has a choice and own responsibility of consuming whatever he or she wants to consume or trade. Or
no one says that it should be legalise because at least those mafias would be eradicated and
legalisation would ensure great tax revenue to the government. Does this happen? No. Instead drugs
addicts are being taken to rehab centers, are counseled and are made to look outside their dark lives.
So inability of the administration to control a wrong thing is not the excuse to legalise that thing. So
strict implementation should be ensured by the government so that exploitation of sex workers can be
stopped at the hands of administration. In this their own unions, various NGOs and civil societies can
play a large contributory role.
At last legalising it on the pretext that it is a women's choice what she wants to do with her body is still
wrong because in long term this legalisation would have a bad effect on the status of women, on the
family and the society as a whole. When on one side we oppose the women's objectification then why
on other side we support the legalisation of prostitution. Of course if properly introspected there are
various other alternatives through which exploitation of sex workers can be tackled and they can be
really empowered.
Written 29 Mar View Upvotes

Ayodhya Bisoi Request Bio


443 Views

The people involved in this trade are usually poor people who were forced to join, when they find no
other alternate for their livelihood. So legalizing it will might be a source of providing some money
and help to those people and their families. The victims of this trade are usually female who were
mainly bought or forced by a middle man(dalal) to join trade. Legalizing would eliminate this middle
man and hence may result in reduction of human trafficking. It would also certainly least the risk of
HIV and other STDs.
Written 2 Nov 2014 View Upvotes

Richard Ellis, Richard Ellis


798 Views

Legalizing prostitution boosts trafficking but provides rights to sex workers against abuse and social
ostracism.
Thus, legalizing prostitution would only work in a country with strong legal and judicial system.
Certainly not India.
Written 15 Oct 2013 View Upvotes

Naveen Reddy Request Bio


160 Views

The basic perspective existing in todays eduacted urban Indian minds is that prostitution is a social
evil and exploitation of women. Making a stand againt prostitution is considered progressive and
civilized so they place them selves in that group. Well all these people forget one very basic fact that it
the oldest profession of the world. That apart from looking at a woman as mother,sister,lover and
wife. She can also be a entertainer on the stage as a dancer or as a sex partner on bed no strings
attached. Her body is bought for pleasure from time immemorial in all of the human civilizations of
any time or place. Even
today in many developed countries like Germany it is legal and is a billion dollar industry.
I would like to make two points here.
1) Exploitation of women should be abolished and rehabilitation and support should be provided by
the state to such people, but if the woman herself takes up the profession she should be allowed to
pursue it, provided there are proper rules and regulations in place. Such as insurance benefits,
protection from police, local goons and pimps. Protecting minors and children from the predators.
Educating them about hyginie and safe sex practices. These places should be away from residential
localities etc. Hope all of you know that in India the anti HIV campaign become successful only by
educating the sex workers and their customers such as lorry drivers about AIDS, condom use, safe sex
etc. What about the women who advertise themselves as escorts in Craigslist or Locanto in all major
metros of India. Do you think they are sex slaves ? . They are in fact not getting all of what the
customer pays them because between them and the money paid there is a pimp, there is a mamsab,
police and a local goon all of whom eat away 70-80% of what she is paid and she gets only 20-30% of
it. If prostitution is legal the state would provide her a place to do her work. There would be no
menace of mamsab or pimp or police. She can earn lot better and acheive fincaial independence much
earlier and may leave the profession altogether. Some of the strippers in US, I asked told me that they
came into that profession temporarily to earn their college scholarship etc. Why can't that be true here
?
2) Why do you thing men should loose one of their privilages ? That is watching a women's body or
having sexual pleasure.(The same applies to women too, that's why you have male strip bars in US,
and please do not preach me, the Hindu ideals you think I'm breaking, which never existed, we were
much more sexually liberated society prior to invasion of barbaric mullahs from Iran in 10th century
and before those queens ass kissing Victorians came in 15th century. DO NOT think I'm ridicluling the
institution of marriage. I wrote this keeping in mind all those sex starved single Indian men who
would jerk of TMCs of semen from thier teens till thier marriage day) Human race from old times has
been a male dominant society. It is the males who pursued the women and had pleasure. I do not
agree with the argument that all the women who are prostitutes sell their body forcefully, are
exploited, have low self esteem. If they had other alternative they would have never opted this route.
Why don't you think in these lines prostitution is a profession and was quite common in ancient and
medevial India. A young crown prince is used to be trained in sex by the courtier or dancer in the
kings court. That was not exploitation and subjugation. Prostitution in fact is an art which all can
notperfect.My answer all those claims that prostitution is slavery or inhuman or exploitation, what
about all those escorts or call girls who are smart and sauve. Now a days women even if they are not
prostitutes use their body to please men and climb up the ladder in an organization aren't they worse
thanprostitutes.In prostitution the man knows what he wants and the woman knows what she wants.

A prostitute to me is a normal and healthy part of the society if provided necessary protection and
support. Hence I conclude that in India, the old dubious victorian law on prostitution be replaced by a
more clear and effective law which will legalize prostitution, effectively deal with menace of
exploitation of prostitutes by pimps and police. Provide them health insurance, educate them about
hyginie and safe sex practices, good living and work places and free education to thier children.
Updated 23 Sep

Shashank Agrawal Request Bio


277 Views

sometimes a small part of alone people needs a company to wash out their all stress and Tension.. at
this side i must say that prostitution should be legal in our India but on other hand our Indian law of
women security have to more strict on it so that it does not lead to increase in human trafficking.
Written 19 Jul

Anonymous
558 Views

Prostitution is legal in India, but it does not have legitimacy. Per se it is not criminalized, but allied
activities like pimping & running a brothel are culpable.
Personally I do feel the barriers should be removed & prostitution legitimized in India. Sex workers
need the industry to be regulated, and for sure an improvement in their working conditions, access to
medical attention, etc. For sure, trafficking should be dealt with very firmly, with lifer at the very
minimum.
But would this still help reduce the rate of crime against women? Possibly yes, but not by much...
Written 10 Sep 2014

Anonymous
917 Views

I am not sure about the status quo , but I think it is already legal in India.
For following reasons I think prostitution should be legalized.
Let us first think of what legalizing prostitution should mean.
Prostitution Centers can be legally opened at certain specified places by any persons.

Those opening these centers will have to provide their full details as well as reveal their
incomes and pay taxes.

There would be a proper list of girls providing prostitution list. This would not be publicly
available except by court order or something.

Those girls will have to be paid a basic fixed salary.

Customer list can be kept anonymous.

Benefits :

Can be an effective check against forced prostitution.

Will probably decrease the number of rape cases especially in metropolitan cities like
India. As now people can just go to these centers instead of picking up any harmless girl
and venting out their whole frustration on them.

Will bring down the number of sexual harassment cases.

Revenue source for the government of India.

Written 20 Dec 2012 View Upvotes

Jaidev Yadav, social scientist


961 Views

Prostitution(Exchange of sex for money by woman) is legal in India, pimping is not. What is illegal is
its advertisement.
Written 20 Apr 2013 View Upvotes

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Should prostitution be legalised in India? Why or why not?


8 Answers

Pranav D Agrawal Request Bio


2.9k Views
Interestingly, prostitution, at least by its definition, is legal in India.
I know what you feel like...

To quote our trusted Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro...)


In India, prostitution (the exchange of sexual services for money) is legal, but a
number of related activities, including soliciting in a public place, kerb crawling,
owning or managing a brothel, pimping and pandering, are crimes.
In simple terms, the law does not object to sex between consenting adults even
if it is done purely for financial gains.
So, the question is based on a false premise. But I guess question wishes to
discuss the general arguments for and against prostitution. In that case, here are
some of the most common ones (with my take on them):

1. The first argument that one hears supporting prostitution, is that


individuals own their bodies and as long as they consent to what is being
done, the government has no right to interfere on grounds that it is
'immoral'.
It is basically the same argument that is used in cases of drug legalisation,
euthanasia, abortion, homosexuality, suicide, etc. and it is indeed a very
sound argument in a lot of these cases.
(I agree completely with the principle of this point. )
2. Another argument, this against prostitution, is that prostitution acts as a
major vector of STDs. But does criminalisation solve this? In fact, if it is
legalised, government can put checks and restrictions to address the STD
problem. For instance, in Nevada, prostitution is legal. However any
establishment practicing it needs to have a license and the individuals
involved in the profession, need to get periodic blood checks etc. There is
no way of officially doing any of this if prostitution is illegal.
3. The condition of the people involved:

Prostitutes often become victims of homicide, drug abuse, and


general mistreatment.

It is known that most female sex workers in India have not even
finished primary education. It is particularly worse for their children,
who also suffer from the social stigma for no fault of their own.

But, again, does making prostitution illegal resolve this?


4. One very strong argument against prostitution is the issue of abuse and
oppression of the sex workers. How does one ensure that the 'consent'
that was given, was not in economic desperation?
Particularly, in a country like India where at least quarter of population lies
below the international poverty line (USD 1.25), the economic desperation
of the poor might force people (particularly girls and women) to join this
line of work at very young ages.
A result can also be unwanted pregnancies for female prostitutes, which
might hinder development of other skills, thus ultimately forcing them to
stay trapped in the profession.
(But as I type this, I realise, I am biased against the issue.
So what if they stay in it? It is only a problem because the society
considers prostitution to be a 'wrong' profession. If this social prejudice is
removed, how is it wrong?)
These are some of the basic arguments that I could think of or have come across.
I am sure there are several others, and hope some one would discuss them.
Written 29 Aug 2012 View Upvotes
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Ravi Tandon, Graduate Student


1k Views
Arguments in the favor of criminalizing prostitution are
1. It is immoral Prostitution, as an act, has been assumed to be an immoral
activity primarily because a person gives away the most basic control over his
self. The point to consider here is why women become prostitutes in the first
place. Would a woman die of hunger, disease or a mother want to see her
son/daughter die of hunger or may go and work as a prostitute (assuming it is
the last ray of hope for her)? It is up to ones own viewpoint. In a nation where so
many are dying of hunger, cold, disease, malnutrition will those on the verge of
extinction hang on to the grasps of morality (which incidentally has been defined
by a society that likes to live in the comfort zones of their pseudo social life)?
Sorry, I guess they would rather sell themselves and feed their young ones than
see them cry at the hands of a society that has learnt to spit but not clean, shout
but not understand the wrath of their lives.
2. De-criminalization would give rise to increased exploitation of women Are
they not being mistreated today. De-criminalization should actually lead to better
estimation, tracking of those involved in the trade, making their working
conditions less hostile, at the same time diverting these women to other trades
in a legal manner. The argument is not to motivate those hungry, poor to join this
profession but to channel them to some other profession and monitor those
involved. The government estimates the number of sex workers with an 85% [1].
How can you assume such a complex system to work un-monitored?
Argument in favor of de-decriminalization
3. Awareness is essential - People should be mindful of such practices. Sex
workers should be made aware of the diseases they can get if the necessary
precautions are not taken into consideration [1]. Any sort of social stigma
attached makes people shudder away from such topics leading to disastrous
consequences. Legalizing and strict monitoring is the only way things may get
better

4. What about other such immoral, legal practices in India?


Why no criminalize drinking, smoking etc. as well. The government earns a lot of
revenue from these industries and the problem of unemployment of labor is
some issues that hinder such legislation. However, these practices are glorified
in our society. Why does our society live in a dichotomy of perspectives?
5. Shutting your eyes does not solve any problem This is one of the main
points. Criminalizing anything leads to exploitation of criminals, monitoring
remains poor and those engaged in profession are always at the risk of those in
power. A profession that has been evolving for such a long period of time in the
darkness will never be good for the people. Knowing what are the problems and
rectifying them is the only way .Criminalizing leads to concealment of such
activities which can cause disasters.
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro...
Written 2 Sep 2012 View Upvotes

Akash Kumar, "Even Light bows to Gravity."


575 Views
Somebody please correct me if I am wrong but is't prostitution which is defined
as the exchange of sexual services for money, already legal in India. Although
activities like Soliciting in a public place, kerb crawling, owning or managing a
brothel, pimping and pandering are illegal.
Here is the wiki link, Prostitution in India.
Written 16 Apr 2014 View Upvotes

Sanyukta Banerjie, Will work for yummy food. And books.


551 Views
I can't quite agree with the reasoning that legalizing prostitution will put an end
to or at least reduce rape rates. The fundamental reason why rapists rape is not
because they are not getting any, because by that standard there are enough
number of things taboo/ illegal in India (for example drugs) and people with a will
inevitably find a way. Yet, there isn't a crazily high statistic of random men and
women stabbing people on the road or home invasions on the weekend in order
to scrape together enough money to buy meth.
Perhaps the reason why a certain section of people rape has more to do with

what lies in their head and how they perceive the people they rape and the
sense of entitlement that their upbringing or society has led them to believe in.
So that when faced with an unattainable object or rejection, it goes against the
grain.
After all people who are desperate for sex just go at it like bunnies. They don't go
inserting rods into another person or lasciviously sizing up their 4 year old
cousin. That's usually a manifestation of a psychopath's deep-seated insecurity
or hatred because unlike rapists normal people actually happen to like
consensual sex. This is the main reason why even if prostitution is legalized, it
will do nothing for rapists because well, paying for sexual services inherently
requires consent and for rapists... where is the fun in that?
Updated 20 May View Upvotes

Anonymous
506 Views
Here are my arguments:
The Pros:
The great merit of prostitution that is easily accessible, cheap, disease free and
free from the clutches of the law is that it can have an impact on preventing a
crime like the recent gang rape of Nirbhaya. Just as prohibition raises the cost of
liquor since the cost of evasion from the authorities has to be factored as also
pay offs to the police- criminalizing prostitution has a similar effect on its easy
and cheap availability.
Proponents for the legalization of prostitution generally believe that, since
prostitution is a harmless act, it should not, by definition, be considered a crime.
Many believe that criminalizing prostitution only exacerbates the spread of
diseases, and if the practice were legal, it would encourage cleaner working
conditions and better STD testing for prostitutes. Those who support legalization
also believe that there is nothing immoral about sex, and since it is freely
dispensed, there is no harm in charging for it.
While morality continues to be a challenge, prostitution is the oldest profession.
In India, it was practiced extensively, so much so that Kautilya mentions it in his
master piece Arthashastra written around the 4th and 3rd century before
Christ. Chanakyas writes Providing sexual entertainment to the public using
prostitutes (Ganika) was an activity not only strictly controlled by the State but
also one which was, for the most part, carried on in state-owned establishments
[2.27.1]. Women who lived by their beauty (rupajivas) could, however, entertain
men as independent practitioners [2.27.27]; these could have been allowed to

practice in smaller places which could not support a full-fledged state


establishment. A third type of women of pleasure, mentioned in a few places, is
pumsachali, perhaps meaning concubines [3.13.37].
The number of rapes that took place in Netherlands, where prostitution is legal
in 2010 is 9.2 per 100000 population, while USA in which 49 of the 50 States,
barring Nevada have criminalized prostitution has an astounding number of 27.3
per lakh. Linda M. Rio Reichmann, Director of the American Bar Association's
(ABA) Child Custody Pro Bono Project is reported to have stated that: "A study
conducted in Queensland showed a 149% increase in the rate of rape when
legal brothels were closed in 1959."
The cons:
The trouble with the above argument is that the countries that have legalized
prostitution for those same reasons have learned the hard way that the gains
they hoped to achieve for women in prostitution have been illusory.
The legalization of brothels did not empower women to work as independent
businesswomen in their own organized brothels because, not unexpectedly,
large brothel operators dominated the brothel industry making it difficult for
individual prostitutes or even small groups of women to compete against the
huge money and marketing of commercial brothels.
Street prostitution did not disappear simply because women who work outside
have a host of social problems including homelessness, addictions, are underage, or are unwilling to register with the government. Women in these situations
were not able to be employed by brothels by the nature of their lifestyle.
The law, while intending to eliminate organized crime, brought with it an
explosion of human trafficking by international crime syndicates. Finally, the
legalization of brothels legitimized pimps and procurers as business men.
Prostitution and the accompanying evil of the traffic in persons
for the purpose of prostitution are incompatible with the dignity and worth
of
persons and endanger the welfare of the individual, the family and the
community.
Written 4 Sep 2013 View Upvotes

ATanu Bhuyan Request Bio


525 Views

Yes, India should, and it will. Legalisation also must entail granting civil rights to
the sex workers, just like any other professional, and this is not going to be easy
in practice of course.
Written 7 May 2014 View Upvotes

Anonymous
469 Views
To begin with, PROSTITUTION IS NOT ILLEGAL IN INDIA.
Prostitution is legal in India but partial. Offering or selling sexual services such as
escorts is absolutely legal but brothels are not. That means, you can have sex for
money but on your private premises.
What is happening though is tribal women are being brought down to big cities
to work in illegal brothels and are forcefully held as sex slaves. Brothel owners
bribe the police to stay away. There is a big trafficking from Nepal & Bangladesh
too. That's what the main problem is, sex slave trafficking in India and needs to
be solved. Maybe if brothels are made legal and prostitution is legal, there is a
slight chance this might reduce as people would willingly come to work "legally"
and thus there would be no trafficking required.
Written 7 May 2014 View Upvotes

Anshul Jain Request Bio


119 Views
If you legalize prostitution one of the major repercussion would be a high
increase in Human Trafficking and female bonded labor.
Written 12 Apr 2014
Related Questions

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Can legalizing porn and prostitution help reduce rape?

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Should marijuana be legalized in India?

Should lobbying be legalised/institutionalised in India?

Will Weed ever legalised in India?

Will cannabis ever be legal in India?

What are benefits of legalising prostitution or pornography for a country?

Should prostitution be legal?

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RELATED QUESTIONS

Do you think homosexuality should be

Should prostitution be legalised in India? Why or why not?


8 Answers

Pranav D Agrawal Request Bio


2.9k Views

Interestingly, prostitution, at least by its definition, is legal in India.


I know what you feel like...

To quote our trusted Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro...)


In India, prostitution (the exchange of sexual services for money) is legal, but a number of related
activities, including soliciting in a public place, kerb crawling, owning or managing a brothel, pimping
and pandering, are crimes.
In simple terms, the law does not object to sex between consenting adults even if it is done purely for
financial gains.
So, the question is based on a false premise. But I guess question wishes to discuss the general
arguments for and against prostitution. In that case, here are some of the most common ones (with
my take on them):
1.

The first argument that one hears supporting prostitution, is that individuals own their bodies
and as long as they consent to what is being done, the government has no right to interfere on
grounds that it is 'immoral'.
It is basically the same argument that is used in cases of drug legalisation, euthanasia, abortion,
homosexuality, suicide, etc. and it is indeed a very sound argument in a lot of these cases.
(I agree completely with the principle of this point. )

2.

Another argument, this against prostitution, is that prostitution acts as a major vector of
STDs. But does criminalisation solve this? In fact, if it is legalised, government can put checks and
restrictions to address the STD problem. For instance, in Nevada, prostitution is legal. However
any establishment practicing it needs to have a license and the individuals involved in the
profession, need to get periodic blood checks etc. There is no way of officially doing any of this if
prostitution is illegal.

3.

The condition of the people involved:

Prostitutes often become victims of homicide, drug abuse, and general mistreatment.

It is known that most female sex workers in India have not even finished primary
education. It is particularly worse for their children, who also suffer from the social stigma for
no fault of their own.
But, again, does making prostitution illegal resolve this?

4.

One very strong argument against prostitution is the issue of abuse and oppression of the sex
workers. How does one ensure that the 'consent' that was given, was not in economic
desperation?
Particularly, in a country like India where at least quarter of population lies below the
international poverty line (USD 1.25), the economic desperation of the poor might force people
(particularly girls and women) to join this line of work at very young ages.
A result can also be unwanted pregnancies for female prostitutes, which might hinder
development of other skills, thus ultimately forcing them to stay trapped in the profession.
(But as I type this, I realise, I am biased against the issue.
So what if they stay in it? It is only a problem because the society considers prostitution to be a
'wrong' profession. If this social prejudice is removed, how is it wrong?)

These are some of the basic arguments that I could think of or have come across. I am sure there are
several others, and hope some one would discuss them.
Written 29 Aug 2012 View Upvotes

More Answers Below.


Related Questions

Do you think homosexuality should be legalised in India?

Why is marijuana not legalised in India?

Reviews of: Prostitution In Kolkata, India

Is prostitution legal in India?

Reviews of: Devadasi The Wicked Temple Prostitution In India

Ravi Tandon, Graduate Student


1k Views

Arguments in the favor of criminalizing prostitution are


1. It is immoral Prostitution, as an act, has been assumed to be an immoral activity primarily
because a person gives away the most basic control over his self. The point to consider here is why
women become prostitutes in the first place. Would a woman die of hunger, disease or a mother want
to see her son/daughter die of hunger or may go and work as a prostitute (assuming it is the last ray of
hope for her)? It is up to ones own viewpoint. In a nation where so many are dying of hunger, cold,
disease, malnutrition will those on the verge of extinction hang on to the grasps of morality (which
incidentally has been defined by a society that likes to live in the comfort zones of their pseudo social
life)? Sorry, I guess they would rather sell themselves and feed their young ones than see them cry at
the hands of a society that has learnt to spit but not clean, shout but not understand the wrath of their
lives.
2. De-criminalization would give rise to increased exploitation of women Are they not being
mistreated today. De-criminalization should actually lead to better estimation, tracking of those
involved in the trade, making their working conditions less hostile, at the same time diverting these

women to other trades in a legal manner. The argument is not to motivate those hungry, poor to join
this profession but to channel them to some other profession and monitor those involved. The
government estimates the number of sex workers with an 85% [1]. How can you assume such a
complex system to work un-monitored?
Argument in favor of de-decriminalization
3. Awareness is essential - People should be mindful of such practices. Sex workers should be made
aware of the diseases they can get if the necessary precautions are not taken into consideration [1].
Any sort of social stigma attached makes people shudder away from such topics leading to disastrous
consequences. Legalizing and strict monitoring is the only way things may get better
4. What about other such immoral, legal practices in India?
Why no criminalize drinking, smoking etc. as well. The government earns a lot of revenue from these
industries and the problem of unemployment of labor is some issues that hinder such legislation.
However, these practices are glorified in our society. Why does our society live in a dichotomy of
perspectives?
5. Shutting your eyes does not solve any problem This is one of the main points. Criminalizing
anything leads to exploitation of criminals, monitoring remains poor and those engaged in profession
are always at the risk of those in power. A profession that has been evolving for such a long period of
time in the darkness will never be good for the people. Knowing what are the problems and rectifying
them is the only way .Criminalizing leads to concealment of such activities which can cause disasters.
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro...
Written 2 Sep 2012 View Upvotes

Akash Kumar, "Even Light bows to Gravity."


575 Views

Somebody please correct me if I am wrong but is't prostitution which is defined as the exchange of
sexual services for money, already legal in India. Although activities like Soliciting in a public place,
kerb crawling, owning or managing a brothel, pimping and pandering are illegal.
Here is the wiki link, Prostitution in India.
Written 16 Apr 2014 View Upvotes

Sanyukta Banerjie, Will work for yummy food. And books.


551 Views

I can't quite agree with the reasoning that legalizing prostitution will put an end to or at least reduce
rape rates. The fundamental reason why rapists rape is not because they are not getting any, because

by that standard there are enough number of things taboo/ illegal in India (for example drugs) and
people with a will inevitably find a way. Yet, there isn't a crazily high statistic of random men and
women stabbing people on the road or home invasions on the weekend in order to scrape together
enough money to buy meth.
Perhaps the reason why a certain section of people rape has more to do with what lies in their head
and how they perceive the people they rape and the sense of entitlement that their upbringing or
society has led them to believe in. So that when faced with an unattainable object or rejection, it goes
against the grain.
After all people who are desperate for sex just go at it like bunnies. They don't go inserting rods into
another person or lasciviously sizing up their 4 year old cousin. That's usually a manifestation of a
psychopath's deep-seated insecurity or hatred because unlike rapists normal people actually happen
to like consensual sex. This is the main reason why even if prostitution is legalized, it will do nothing
for rapists because well, paying for sexual services inherently requires consent and for rapists... where
is the fun in that?
Updated 20 May View Upvotes

Anonymous
506 Views

Here are my arguments:


The Pros:
The great merit of prostitution that is easily accessible, cheap, disease free and free from the clutches
of the law is that it can have an impact on preventing a crime like the recent gang rape of Nirbhaya.
Just as prohibition raises the cost of liquor since the cost of evasion from the authorities has to be
factored as also pay offs to the police- criminalizing prostitution has a similar effect on its easy and
cheap availability.
Proponents for the legalization of prostitution generally believe that, since prostitution is a harmless
act, it should not, by definition, be considered a crime. Many believe that criminalizing prostitution
only exacerbates the spread of diseases, and if the practice were legal, it would encourage cleaner
working conditions and better STD testing for prostitutes. Those who support legalization also believe
that there is nothing immoral about sex, and since it is freely dispensed, there is no harm in charging
for it.
While morality continues to be a challenge, prostitution is the oldest profession. In India, it was
practiced extensively, so much so that Kautilya mentions it in his master piece Arthashastra written
around the 4th and 3rd century before Christ. Chanakyas writes Providing sexual entertainment to
the public using prostitutes (Ganika) was an activity not only strictly controlled by the State but also
one which was, for the most part, carried on in state-owned establishments [2.27.1]. Women who
lived by their beauty (rupajivas) could, however, entertain men as independent practitioners
[2.27.27]; these could have been allowed to practice in smaller places which could not support a fullfledged state establishment. A third type of women of pleasure, mentioned in a few places, is

pumsachali, perhaps meaning concubines [3.13.37].


The number of rapes that took place in Netherlands, where prostitution is legal in 2010 is 9.2 per
100000 population, while USA in which 49 of the 50 States, barring Nevada have criminalized
prostitution has an astounding number of 27.3 per lakh. Linda M. Rio Reichmann, Director of the
American Bar Association's (ABA) Child Custody Pro Bono Project is reported to have stated that: "A
study conducted in Queensland showed a 149% increase in the rate of rape when legal brothels were
closed in 1959."
The cons:
The trouble with the above argument is that the countries that have legalized prostitution for those
same reasons have learned the hard way that the gains they hoped to achieve for women in
prostitution have been illusory.
The legalization of brothels did not empower women to work as independent businesswomen in their
own organized brothels because, not unexpectedly, large brothel operators dominated the brothel
industry making it difficult for individual prostitutes or even small groups of women to compete
against the huge money and marketing of commercial brothels.
Street prostitution did not disappear simply because women who work outside have a host of social
problems including homelessness, addictions, are under-age, or are unwilling to register with the
government. Women in these situations were not able to be employed by brothels by the nature of
their lifestyle.
The law, while intending to eliminate organized crime, brought with it an explosion of human
trafficking by international crime syndicates. Finally, the legalization of brothels legitimized pimps
and procurers as business men.
Prostitution and the accompanying evil of the traffic in persons
for the purpose of prostitution are incompatible with the dignity and worth of
persons and endanger the welfare of the individual, the family and the community.
Written 4 Sep 2013 View Upvotes

ATanu Bhuyan Request Bio


525 Views

Yes, India should, and it will. Legalisation also must entail granting civil rights to the sex workers, just
like any other professional, and this is not going to be easy in practice of course.
Written 7 May 2014 View Upvotes

Anonymous

469 Views

To begin with, PROSTITUTION IS NOT ILLEGAL IN INDIA.


Prostitution is legal in India but partial. Offering or selling sexual services such as escorts is absolutely
legal but brothels are not. That means, you can have sex for money but on your private premises.
What is happening though is tribal women are being brought down to big cities to work in illegal
brothels and are forcefully held as sex slaves. Brothel owners bribe the police to stay away. There is a
big trafficking from Nepal & Bangladesh too. That's what the main problem is, sex slave trafficking in
India and needs to be solved. Maybe if brothels are made legal and prostitution is legal, there is a
slight chance this might reduce as people would willingly come to work "legally" and thus there would
be no trafficking required.
Written 7 May 2014 View Upvotes

Anshul Jain Request Bio


119 Views

If you legalize prostitution one of the major repercussion would be a high increase in Human
Trafficking and female bonded labor.
Written 12 Apr 2014

Related Questions

Economy of India: Would legalising marijuana help the Indian economy?

Can legalizing porn and prostitution help reduce rape?

Should betting be legalized in India?

Should marijuana be legalized in India?

Should lobbying be legalised/institutionalised in India?

Will Weed ever legalised in India?

Will cannabis ever be legal in India?

What are benefits of legalising prostitution or pornography for a country?

Should prostitution be legal?

Why is betting not being legalised in India?

How can betting be legalised in India without its drawbacks?

Why is gay marriage illegal in India?

Should betting in India be legalised for cricket?

What will happen if marijuana is legalised in India?

India: Which is the best startup in India nowadays?


RELATED QUESTIONS

Should prostitution be legalised in India? Why or why not?


8 Answers

Pranav D Agrawal Request Bio


2.9k Views

Interestingly, prostitution, at least by its definition, is legal in India.


I know what you feel like...

To quote our trusted Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro...)


In India, prostitution (the exchange of sexual services for money) is legal, but a number of related
activities, including soliciting in a public place, kerb crawling, owning or managing a brothel, pimping
and pandering, are crimes.
In simple terms, the law does not object to sex between consenting adults even if it is done purely for
financial gains.
So, the question is based on a false premise. But I guess question wishes to discuss the general
arguments for and against prostitution. In that case, here are some of the most common ones (with
my take on them):

1.

The first argument that one hears supporting prostitution, is that individuals own their bodies
and as long as they consent to what is being done, the government has no right to interfere on
grounds that it is 'immoral'.
It is basically the same argument that is used in cases of drug legalisation, euthanasia, abortion,
homosexuality, suicide, etc. and it is indeed a very sound argument in a lot of these cases.
(I agree completely with the principle of this point. )

2.

Another argument, this against prostitution, is that prostitution acts as a major vector of
STDs. But does criminalisation solve this? In fact, if it is legalised, government can put checks and
restrictions to address the STD problem. For instance, in Nevada, prostitution is legal. However
any establishment practicing it needs to have a license and the individuals involved in the
profession, need to get periodic blood checks etc. There is no way of officially doing any of this if
prostitution is illegal.

3.

The condition of the people involved:

Prostitutes often become victims of homicide, drug abuse, and general mistreatment.

It is known that most female sex workers in India have not even finished primary
education. It is particularly worse for their children, who also suffer from the social stigma for
no fault of their own.
But, again, does making prostitution illegal resolve this?
4.

One very strong argument against prostitution is the issue of abuse and oppression of the sex
workers. How does one ensure that the 'consent' that was given, was not in economic
desperation?
Particularly, in a country like India where at least quarter of population lies below the
international poverty line (USD 1.25), the economic desperation of the poor might force people
(particularly girls and women) to join this line of work at very young ages.
A result can also be unwanted pregnancies for female prostitutes, which might hinder
development of other skills, thus ultimately forcing them to stay trapped in the profession.
(But as I type this, I realise, I am biased against the issue.
So what if they stay in it? It is only a problem because the society considers prostitution to be a
'wrong' profession. If this social prejudice is removed, how is it wrong?)

These are some of the basic arguments that I could think of or have come across. I am sure there are
several others, and hope some one would discuss them.
Written 29 Aug 2012 View Upvotes

More Answers Below.


Related Questions

Do you think homosexuality should be legalised in India?

Why is marijuana not legalised in India?

Reviews of: Prostitution In Kolkata, India

Is prostitution legal in India?

Reviews of: Devadasi The Wicked Temple Prostitution In India

Ravi Tandon, Graduate Student


1k Views

Arguments in the favor of criminalizing prostitution are


1. It is immoral Prostitution, as an act, has been assumed to be an immoral activity primarily
because a person gives away the most basic control over his self. The point to consider here is why
women become prostitutes in the first place. Would a woman die of hunger, disease or a mother want
to see her son/daughter die of hunger or may go and work as a prostitute (assuming it is the last ray of
hope for her)? It is up to ones own viewpoint. In a nation where so many are dying of hunger, cold,
disease, malnutrition will those on the verge of extinction hang on to the grasps of morality (which
incidentally has been defined by a society that likes to live in the comfort zones of their pseudo social
life)? Sorry, I guess they would rather sell themselves and feed their young ones than see them cry at
the hands of a society that has learnt to spit but not clean, shout but not understand the wrath of their
lives.
2. De-criminalization would give rise to increased exploitation of women Are they not being
mistreated today. De-criminalization should actually lead to better estimation, tracking of those
involved in the trade, making their working conditions less hostile, at the same time diverting these
women to other trades in a legal manner. The argument is not to motivate those hungry, poor to join
this profession but to channel them to some other profession and monitor those involved. The
government estimates the number of sex workers with an 85% [1]. How can you assume such a
complex system to work un-monitored?
Argument in favor of de-decriminalization
3. Awareness is essential - People should be mindful of such practices. Sex workers should be made
aware of the diseases they can get if the necessary precautions are not taken into consideration [1].
Any sort of social stigma attached makes people shudder away from such topics leading to disastrous
consequences. Legalizing and strict monitoring is the only way things may get better
4. What about other such immoral, legal practices in India?
Why no criminalize drinking, smoking etc. as well. The government earns a lot of revenue from these
industries and the problem of unemployment of labor is some issues that hinder such legislation.
However, these practices are glorified in our society. Why does our society live in a dichotomy of
perspectives?
5. Shutting your eyes does not solve any problem This is one of the main points. Criminalizing
anything leads to exploitation of criminals, monitoring remains poor and those engaged in profession
are always at the risk of those in power. A profession that has been evolving for such a long period of
time in the darkness will never be good for the people. Knowing what are the problems and rectifying
them is the only way .Criminalizing leads to concealment of such activities which can cause disasters.
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro...
Written 2 Sep 2012 View Upvotes

Akash Kumar, "Even Light bows to Gravity."


575 Views

Somebody please correct me if I am wrong but is't prostitution which is defined as the exchange of
sexual services for money, already legal in India. Although activities like Soliciting in a public place,
kerb crawling, owning or managing a brothel, pimping and pandering are illegal.
Here is the wiki link, Prostitution in India.
Written 16 Apr 2014 View Upvotes

Sanyukta Banerjie, Will work for yummy food. And books.


551 Views

I can't quite agree with the reasoning that legalizing prostitution will put an end to or at least reduce
rape rates. The fundamental reason why rapists rape is not because they are not getting any, because
by that standard there are enough number of things taboo/ illegal in India (for example drugs) and
people with a will inevitably find a way. Yet, there isn't a crazily high statistic of random men and
women stabbing people on the road or home invasions on the weekend in order to scrape together
enough money to buy meth.
Perhaps the reason why a certain section of people rape has more to do with what lies in their head
and how they perceive the people they rape and the sense of entitlement that their upbringing or
society has led them to believe in. So that when faced with an unattainable object or rejection, it goes
against the grain.
After all people who are desperate for sex just go at it like bunnies. They don't go inserting rods into
another person or lasciviously sizing up their 4 year old cousin. That's usually a manifestation of a
psychopath's deep-seated insecurity or hatred because unlike rapists normal people actually happen
to like consensual sex. This is the main reason why even if prostitution is legalized, it will do nothing
for rapists because well, paying for sexual services inherently requires consent and for rapists... where
is the fun in that?
Updated 20 May View Upvotes

Anonymous
506 Views

Here are my arguments:


The Pros:

The great merit of prostitution that is easily accessible, cheap, disease free and free from the clutches
of the law is that it can have an impact on preventing a crime like the recent gang rape of Nirbhaya.
Just as prohibition raises the cost of liquor since the cost of evasion from the authorities has to be
factored as also pay offs to the police- criminalizing prostitution has a similar effect on its easy and
cheap availability.
Proponents for the legalization of prostitution generally believe that, since prostitution is a harmless
act, it should not, by definition, be considered a crime. Many believe that criminalizing prostitution
only exacerbates the spread of diseases, and if the practice were legal, it would encourage cleaner
working conditions and better STD testing for prostitutes. Those who support legalization also believe
that there is nothing immoral about sex, and since it is freely dispensed, there is no harm in charging
for it.
While morality continues to be a challenge, prostitution is the oldest profession. In India, it was
practiced extensively, so much so that Kautilya mentions it in his master piece Arthashastra written
around the 4th and 3rd century before Christ. Chanakyas writes Providing sexual entertainment to
the public using prostitutes (Ganika) was an activity not only strictly controlled by the State but also
one which was, for the most part, carried on in state-owned establishments [2.27.1]. Women who
lived by their beauty (rupajivas) could, however, entertain men as independent practitioners
[2.27.27]; these could have been allowed to practice in smaller places which could not support a fullfledged state establishment. A third type of women of pleasure, mentioned in a few places, is
pumsachali, perhaps meaning concubines [3.13.37].
The number of rapes that took place in Netherlands, where prostitution is legal in 2010 is 9.2 per
100000 population, while USA in which 49 of the 50 States, barring Nevada have criminalized
prostitution has an astounding number of 27.3 per lakh. Linda M. Rio Reichmann, Director of the
American Bar Association's (ABA) Child Custody Pro Bono Project is reported to have stated that: "A
study conducted in Queensland showed a 149% increase in the rate of rape when legal brothels were
closed in 1959."
The cons:
The trouble with the above argument is that the countries that have legalized prostitution for those
same reasons have learned the hard way that the gains they hoped to achieve for women in
prostitution have been illusory.
The legalization of brothels did not empower women to work as independent businesswomen in their
own organized brothels because, not unexpectedly, large brothel operators dominated the brothel
industry making it difficult for individual prostitutes or even small groups of women to compete
against the huge money and marketing of commercial brothels.
Street prostitution did not disappear simply because women who work outside have a host of social
problems including homelessness, addictions, are under-age, or are unwilling to register with the
government. Women in these situations were not able to be employed by brothels by the nature of
their lifestyle.
The law, while intending to eliminate organized crime, brought with it an explosion of human
trafficking by international crime syndicates. Finally, the legalization of brothels legitimized pimps
and procurers as business men.

Prostitution and the accompanying evil of the traffic in persons


for the purpose of prostitution are incompatible with the dignity and worth of
persons and endanger the welfare of the individual, the family and the community.
Written 4 Sep 2013 View Upvotes

ATanu Bhuyan Request Bio


525 Views

Yes, India should, and it will. Legalisation also must entail granting civil rights to the sex workers, just
like any other professional, and this is not going to be easy in practice of course.
Written 7 May 2014 View Upvotes

Anonymous
469 Views

To begin with, PROSTITUTION IS NOT ILLEGAL IN INDIA.


Prostitution is legal in India but partial. Offering or selling sexual services such as escorts is absolutely
legal but brothels are not. That means, you can have sex for money but on your private premises.
What is happening though is tribal women are being brought down to big cities to work in illegal
brothels and are forcefully held as sex slaves. Brothel owners bribe the police to stay away. There is a
big trafficking from Nepal & Bangladesh too. That's what the main problem is, sex slave trafficking in
India and needs to be solved. Maybe if brothels are made legal and prostitution is legal, there is a
slight chance this might reduce as people would willingly come to work "legally" and thus there would
be no trafficking required.
Written 7 May 2014 View Upvotes

Anshul Jain Request Bio


119 Views

If you legalize prostitution one of the major repercussion would be a high increase in Human
Trafficking and female bonded labor.
Written 12 Apr 2014

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