The USFG should legalize prostitution.

Framework: Many people whom oppose Prostitution will argue that Prostitution brings more crime, STD’s will be more on the rise, and we put out police officers at risk. But, in reality, if we were to make it legal, we would actually have healthy sex workers, crime in the field of prostitution would lower, and STD’s would not be a big worry. Not only will legalizing prostitution reduce crime, but by legalizing it, we will be able to tax prostitutes, thus have a wealthier economy. Not only will I be arguing the social aspects of prostitution, but I will also be arguing that by making it illegal, we are taking away the human rights of a prostitute. No human rights should be taken away on the basis of their trade, occupation, calling or profession. Today, in 2016, no laws have been able to stop prostitution, so we may as well legalize it, and benefit from it! Contention #1: Justice There are multiple reasoning’s as to why Prostitution should be legalized for the sake of justice. But, the main aspect I will be discussing is a job. First, it’s important to define what a job is. [1] A piece of work, especially a specific task done as part of the routine of one's occupation or for an agreed price: Just by this definition, we can easily understand that Prostitution is a form of work. Prostitution is the act of sexual favors for arranged installment between consenting grown-ups. So, prostitution is merely an industry like some other in which individuals trade favors for cash. The fact of the matter is that prostitution is alive and well in this country, and it will go on whether we do anything about it, or not. Sex workers should receive the same rights as any other worker, in any other field. The laws protect citizens, and they should also protect prostitutes, such as: sexual assault, sexual harassment, and rape. Every human being has the fundamental right to work, which can be easily established by looking at international law. We can look to any number of sources. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states it plainly in Article 23.1.[12] The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is unequivocal as well, and this can be found in Part III, Article 6.[13] The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights agrees as well, in Article 15.[14]. As long as this right exists, it exists to every capable adult, human being. So what happens if we take away these rights, and make prostitution illegal? It’s simple. We are dehumanizing. We are merely restricting the work and profession of what a person decides to do, and this is completely unjust, and we are merely discriminating. [2] Since this is an industry dominated by women, it's even more unjust, as it's a discriminatory practice that predominantly affects a single sex. Contention #2: Safety Prostitution is considered a victimless crime, as long as the people are consenting adults, and nobody is hurt. Prostitution does not always imply there is in fact a victim. There are situations when in fact Prostitution may be abused by her pimp, because she want’s to leave the business, or she did something she was not able to. Many women take part in this industry because they are poor, and unable to find another job, so Prostitution is merely the only way for them. [3] Beyond that, many women are simply dependent upon the money they earn in this system as other job opportunities are not available to them, often because they have suffered so much abuse as children, including rape and incest, that they simply don't have the wherewithal to take on another job.[4] This means that we're currently forcing them into these abusive situations in order to survive. Prostitution will take place, regardless if it is illegal, or not. [5] Concurrently, this has done nothing to slow the demand for sex work. In 2010 alone, the Bureau of Justice reported that over 60,000 people were arrested for prostitution. Simply put, regardless of whether or not it’s legal, prostitution will continue. According to Amnesty International, a human right’organization, one of their studies stated.. [5] “We have seen evidence to suggest that the criminalization of sex work leads to social marginalization and an increased risk of human rights abuses against sex workers. The evidence also suggests that decriminalization could be the best means to protect the rights of sex workers and ensure that these individuals receive adequate medical care, legal assistance and police protection.” It is clear to see, that making this form of work illegal, causes more harm, than good. By keeping prostitution illegal America has created an environment in which sex workers are subjected to violence, disease, ridicule and inequality. Law enforcement is a dangerous job in it’s self, but we put them in risk while they patrol the streets for prostitutes, when a big majority of the time, prostitution is a victimless crime. Diseases: By making Prostitution legal, we could lower the risk of STD’s. [6] In countries and states where prostitution is legal, the risk of sexual transmitted diseases is slower than where prostitution is illegal. This is because prostitutes have better access to doctors, medicines, sex education, and contraceptives that prevent and reduce sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as condoms. Furthermore, countries that legalize prostitution and require periodic testing for STDs have an even further lower rate of transmitting STDs. Contention #3: Legalizing Prostitution would be a substantial source of tax revenue Prostitution is industry that has always existed, and it’s a strong industry. We can never get rid of it. [6] “Therefore, the obvious solution is to turn prostitution into a business that can be regulated, monitored, and taxed, like every other business.” [7] “In 2007 alone, Atlanta’s sex trade was worth a staggering $290 million. Not to mention, between 2005 and 2011, the average weekly cash income for pimps in the city was $32,833. In Nevada, legal brothels collectively make around $50 million a year, and pay significant amounts of tax to the rural counties in which they are located and operate.” What could be the worst possible out-come of taxing prostitutes? Instead, we are wasting tax dollars, on making our officers go out, and patrol the streets for a “crime” that will never stop. Prostitution is an industry, it’s a job, and it’s a choice. By making it illegal, we only run the chance of greater violence, more STD.s, violation of ones righ’ts, and wasting tax dollars. Sources: [1] http://www.dictionary.com... [2] http://www.huffingtonpost.com... [3] http://www.womenslaw.org... [4]http://www.womenslaw.org... [5, 6, 7] http://elitedaily.com... (sorry for the random large wording, DDO rich text was not working properly)