Definition of sexual intercourse: "Involving the penetration of the vagina by the penis."
Regardless of the circumstances that led to the penetration, sex is still sex. Masturbation by definition is the act of achieving sexual gratification without the aid of another person. Prostitution cannot be masturbation because it inherently involves at least two people. I agree that money can never buy love, intimacy and romance but it most definitely can, and does, buy sex.

Porn, movies, advertisements, magazines... also commodify sex. should they be banned as well?

Consensual sex already is free for those who are able to find willing partners. How can that be the answer if it already is the case? Are you suggesting that prostitutes ought to work for free?

Definition of debase: "To lower the value of something or the moral character of someone." The use of a prostitute does not inherently lower the prostitutes moral character. It is a matter of perception. Because society views prostitution as dirty, evil, immoral, etc... the moral character of prostitutes are lowered but that wouldn't be so if people weren't conditioned to perceive them that way.

If I hire a masseuse I do not own her for a few hours. She agreed to provide a service and she is free to renege on that agreement at any time she chooses. The same ought to be true for prostitutes. The only reason it is not is because prostitutes operate outside of the law and therefore have little to no choice in the matter of how their bodies are used. If it were legal, the prostitute would be able to choose what she is willing to do and what she is not. And she could make it stop at any time that she feels uncomfortable without fear of abuse from a pimp.

Yes of course the vast majority of men who agree with prostitution would not agree to prostitute themselves to other men. The vast majority of them are not homosexual so it would be an utterly disgusting experience for them. The fact that most men would turn down an offer of homosexual sex for money does not prove that prostitution is immoral and the fact that you would like to see them do it makes me a bit concerned about your morality.

As for the article you provided, it seems rather sensationalized. I would wager that the horror stories presented in the article are the exception rather than the rule. I don't doubt that some men are violent and treat the women like shit and that some prostitutes work in poor conditions but that doesn't mean that the entire industry is pure evil. The solution is to regulate the industry more tightly, prosecute Johns who step out of line and punish employers who do not provide safe working conditions for their prostitutes.

I think the only way to know for sure if the act of trading sex for money is actually detrimental to a person is through scientific study. Until science confirms that, prostitutes working in safe conditions where they are free to refuse services that they are not comfortable performing without fear of punishment, actually experience detrimental effects, I will continue to believe that there is no harming in selling sex.

I think we have a concensus of sorts as most of us women and men note an exploitive quality to ( legalized) prostitution but we as non- conformists abhor legal intervention into morality as it rarely works. But I see many valid points made by you all

@RoboGraham

If I rent out my body to a man for two hours.

If I find him repulsive, but I need the cash because I'm behind with the rent.

If I have to act out enjoyment, and make fake groaning noises because I want to keep him as a future client.

If I have to develop coping strategies, so I can mentally cut off from what's happening and imagine it is happening to someone else instead - just to get through it.

If I focus intently on the good things in my life.. Children, friends, pets. And that helps me cope, because I know that when it's over with I'll feel empty and used.

But the cash.

If I'm worrying that he might be violent or that he won't pay what he's supposed to - so try to feign pleasure even more.

If I sometimes feel nauseated for a few seconds because I hate what's happening, and my first instinct when he has left is to get in the shower and to scrub all traces of him away. I would ask...

Is that 'sex'?

@Ellatynemouth It's certainly not love making but yes it is sex.

@RoboGraham

No it's not. It's glorified masturbation.

@Ellatynemouth Call it what you will. It doesn't change the fact that prostitution in a legal regulated environment is safer, cleaner, more respectable and less degrading than it is under our current irrational illegal system in which prostitution operates in the black market.

@RoboGraham

Says a man who's never sold his body for cash. Has never been trafficked or threatened by a pimp. All things that have increased in Germany since legalisation.

@Ellatynemouth Incorrect. Those negative aspects of the industry have not increased since legalization. What has increased is reports of those bad things occurring. That's one of the greatest parts about legalization. Prostitutes are not persecuted by the police so they feel safe reporting those things. I assure you, all that bad stuff happens more often in an illegal unregulated system and almost all of it goes unreported because prostitutes know that no good will come of admitting to police that they are breaking the law.

Also, you do not know what has happened to me so don't make assumptions.

One more thing, try googling glorified masturbation. See what comes up.

@RoboGraham

Try reading this link.

I've had my fill of listening to men defend prostitution, and in turn the commodification of women's bodies. You disgust me.

[m.spiegel.de]

Well, paid work debases human dignity. Whether the income is generated by hiring out one's hands, one's brain or any other organs is really irrelevant.

@Ellatynemouth There are plenty of women defending it too. I still don't see how having the option of commodifying ones body is a bad thing. And if attempting to improve living and working conditions of prostitutes by legalizing their profession disgusts you then I am proud to be disgusting.

Also, just because legal prostitution in Germany is not going well does not mean that it can't work. There are many other places where it is legal and functioning safely. The Germany system is just one example out of many.

@Ellatynemouth, @PontifexMarximus So are you saying that self employed prostitutes are not debased?

@RoboGraham correct: actors, models etc are commodifying their bodies and so are bricklayers, garbage collectors etc.

@PontifexMarximus So are you saying that people should just stop performing unpleasant tasks?

@sassysapiosexual

I once read an article about a woman, who although being married, felt lonely. With her husband's agreement she hired a man to cuddle her.

There were photos in the article of this man sat on her sofa with his arms around her, cuddling her. She was smiling.

At the end of the day he was an employee.

But what if they could, what if they wanted too? Are you assuming every one who may make that choice is mentally ill? In denial? I am curious. How can we really answer the question of its veracity as a job if the only base line we have is mired in cultural stigma, illegality and questionable practices?

I think she is actually quite unhappy. I'm guessing she got much more baggage than she anticipated. I feel sorry for her actually.

It worked for all of trump's wives.

exfuckingsactly i have all the respect for actual prostitutes who sell sex directly for money but I just need them to actually fancy me sincerely. if you film prostitution its all fucking legal.

@SACatWalker Do you really think she likes him?

She also wasn't a prostitute....there's a difference between a nude model and someone who does penetration for money. As much as I hate Drumpf, I kind of feel sorry for Melania...you can sense she really hates even being around him.

@Clauddvon thank you for your comment.

I started to read some articles because of this debate. on first scan legalization does not solve the problems people hope it would

@btroje I think you are right that legalization will not solve all the problems concerning this complex issue. But it will be a step in the right direction. We also need to further the cause of feminism and teach men to treat women with respect and dignity. These problems that you are concerned about will not end until chauvinism is dead.

the only difference is you get to sell your product, take it back and sell it again. footballers wives are just prostitutes pretending to be something else. I know at best im average looking in my younger years and for my age not bad. I like real people even if its a quick bit of lusty fucking once or the rest of my life. im realistically probably going to stay single really and im good with that.I want to fuck someone I fancy and make love to somebody I fancy and love their very life force, personality, their honesty, their mistakes and their faults. I want them to be the same. my biggest sex organ is either my skin or and my brain. in the meantime, I can watch Pornhub and imagine anything I want and be a bit lonely. I don't need women but I would just like one. if she's a lady treat her like a lady, if not fuck her. I know given the opportunity I would have been a right slag and potentially am. id be happier with someone I treat like a lady in public ish and like a complete passionate no holds bars erotic tart in our own time. it's the same both ways. I don't care what you used to be within reason ie kiddy fiddler or cruel fucker etc. I probably wouldn't care if you used to be a prostitute or porn star or even still are as long as your straight with me in the first place so i have the choice.

COOL!

Hahahaha

Everyone who can afford it!

As long as men control it, there will be abuse.

@GoldenMean I agree. I was just scanning a wikipedia article about legalized prostitution in Europe looking for something else. Germany has had major liberalized laws for some time. THere has been increased human traffiking there since sex tourism has become such a big business.Legal or not I think of the effect on the individual exposed to abuse and trauma and the ripple effect through society in present time and through generations. The current situation is horrible along those lines and I think legalization would not necessarily adress those issues

Hi, as one who has a Doctorate in Theology ( also is a Life-Long Atheist btw) I can tell you that the Catholic Church, the root source of ALL modern Xtian Sects, did attempt to make Prostitution Illegal in the 8th and 9th Centuries C.E. however it was only done because the 'so-called' common Whores and Bordellos were operating in opposition to those Owned, Operated and frequented by the Church Hierarchy right up the line to including the Popes and were eroding the Profits the Catholic Church was gaining from its 'little' SLY Enterprises.
Even to this day there are still Bordellos Owned and operated by Catholic Cardinals, etc, and frequented by ALL members of the Catholic Hierarchy especially in Rome and Italy.
As a point of note here, The R.C.C. still holds to the ideology that NO Prostitute can receive Absolution, the Sacrament nor be buried in 'Holy' Ground even if she/he is employed in a Bordello/Brothel owned by the Church.
Another PRIME example of Religious Hypocrisy indeed.

Yeah, for some people this is what works best for them. Sheen is something of a poor example as he knew he had an STD, did not inform partner(s) or use condom. ewwww that's pretty low life. I get the impression most of the people posting or commenting to this post act in a responsible manner regarding their sexual activity. It HAS been an interesting discussion.

What's different in Clark county Compared to the rest of Nevada?

its not legal-Las Vegas is in Clark county.

Wow! Pathetic men sounds way too harsh but if that's your opinion, so be it.

I think you have it backwards. The cases I've known were led to it to obtain money for their particular problem.

And, by the way, I do know people who have chosen it as a lifestyle and profession. I will admit that they are not street prostitutes, but on call for a select clientele. They make a great living and don't have sex with multiple people in a day.

Personally I have yet to hear of a person who has "chosen" ditch-digging as a lifestyle option . Most ditch-diggers have to resort to menial tasks to feed their families.
I don't think "the freedom of others to make their own life decisions" comes into it for most ditch-diggers.

People find ways to survive. Some sell the use of their back, others comodify other body parts. As long as there is a buyer there will be a seller.

Dec 30, 2017 Like1 Report Reply

In countries where it is legal there are many women who choose it through free choice, at the same time there is still some trafficking but legalising it does seem to reduce the forceful element of it

if it was legal then women couldn’t be coerced into doing it. If they didn’t want to, then it would fail. Judicious monitoring by the state with serious legal ramifications for coercion should ensure a free selection.

I don't particularly enjoy my job. I go to work out of necessity. Yeah I'd say most of them don't choose to get into it as a lifestyle option but more out of a need to make a living. Perhaps if the industry was regulated and safer fewer who do get into it would have to resort to drugs to deal with it.

@Gatovicolo - Why would it change if it was legal? Pimps will still use vulnerable women/girls//boys to do the work. It's a dirty business, and legalising it won't make it any cleaner. I'd increase the penalties for using prostitutes, not being one.

I think there are some high end call girls and college women who do choose but choose carefully who they go with. But that is not the norm.

@GoldenDoll we are in agreement. Most of the people on this thread voice their opinion only.. I didnt have to dig too far into legitamate research to learn that legalization increases trafficking and increases crimeIn Amsterdam prostitutes were still harmed even with 3 panic buttons in the room..There has been more success reducing prostitution by punishing the johns..

It's not a lifestyle, it's a job. I've known both male and female sex workers who have enjoyed the job, and those who didn't. It's not easy work, but it works for some. It should be a legal job for those that opt for it.

Very well spoken.

In Germany and other European countries (Holland) is is legal and the workers work for the state and get benefits including health and retirement.

@JackPedigo Just like every other worker. Here in American, we don't even have that.

@Spinliesel I know, those damned socialized countries?! Funny first it was communism and now it's socialism. We are our own worst enemies.

@Spinliesel Yeah for one of the richest countries in the world it sure seems to lack in areas that matter most. Sad state of affairs. Some countries plainly take care of their people better.

Well Said

@TheMiddleWay I disagree with Wiki. There are plenty of religious and secular accounts that say different. I'm not going to bother to cite them. They're just too numerous.

@TheMiddleWay [badnewsaboutchristianity.com]

@TheMiddleWay You win. You're right. I'm too lazy and busy with other things to argue with you.

Regulate it with what? You're not coming through clear, and I smell a thirty page bill of extremely strict regulations in the horizon.

@DZhukovin Regulate in the same way they do alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. How they do that would be up to the politicians and who is in their pockets.

@SheThatB

Okay, so your idea is to regulate in the same way that do alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. How they do that would be up to the politicians and who is in their pockets. I use your input to show that this idea was fully addressed.

How is that going to remotely accomplish anything? All of those regulations you mentioned are founded on the premise that everyone matures in the same rate, with the same maturation profile, and the laws surrounding alcohol, tobacco, and drugs are so extensive, that it only complicates the issue of what the proper size of government is.

That suggestion is actually very mistaken. I don't know what you were told about the real proficiency that any government has in doing its functions, but they are extremely minimal and you have been misinformed.

@DZhukovin the question was not about the proper size of government, or maturation rates of the general population. It was a simple question about whether prostitution should be legalized. I answered the question with my opinion. My opinion has not changed.

@SheThatB

Okay, so your argument is that both of us are working under different premises. However, we are both working under the premise that prostitution should be legalized, regulated, and taxed, just like they do with alcohol.

I was asking you to go into that more, but you were speaking tangents, and not answering my original question. So I will just ask it again: regulate it with what?

@DZhukovin I have no argument. I made a simple opinion statement to a question asking for an opinion. I'm not here to argue so I'll leave it at that.

Very well said.

That's where the regulating would come in. We already have child protection laws. Legalizing prostitution shouldn't affect those. New laws of course, to protect the workers.

Well put and of course you are right

Yes, that would be ideal.

Australia has legalised prostitution and it's safer for both prostitutes and customers.

@Lancer That’s the way it should be.

@SpikeTalon Are you joking or just ignorant of living conditions for ancient people?

@SpikeTalon no life in general wasn’t better however the Patricians were the wealthy and controlled almost all life

@Trajan61 dear Emperor you are abso right

Thank you. It depresses me that your voice belongs to the minority. It dismays me to hear people defend, what is in essence, the commodification of women's bodies

@Ellatynemouth Just curious. Is manual labor not basically the same thing, the commodification of a persons body for the use of it as basically a tool? Removing the cultural and religious components what is wrong with two consenting or three or six exchanging money or other services for sex as long as it is agreeable to all parties? As opposed to people spending their lives in heavy manual labor, or other professions? Much like the drug war if we legalized it and applied the same labor protections other professions have and a clear framework for the safety of both the worker and the customer as well as allowed for its advertising to be open and honest in society I think it would very quickly destroy much of the criminal element to . The biggest hurdle I see is how we as a society negatively view and treat the subject of sex as purely for pleasure. That needs to change.