I have absolutely no problem with prostitution, (or indeed sex outside of a loving relationship,) as long as it's a personal choice and doesn't involve abuse or coercion. That choice could be because of a myriad of reasons, including that one has switched off any 'sex equals love' button; out of sheer desperation due to financial difficulties; or because it is a 'career' choice, (perhaps a little unusual but not unheard of, I'm thinking of a number of people I'm aware of, including a woman in my village who has been offering a service to local farmers etc. from her own home for many years, apparently discreetly and without fuss.) It wouldn't include where 'pimps', 'madames' or gangs are trafficking or otherwise exploiting or abusing the sex workers.
And therein lies the dilemma in the legalisation/ decriminalisation debate, on the one hand I think yes, on the other I would be concerned if that resulted in giving free reign to those who exploit and abuse. My other concern is that a high proportion of prostitutes have been sexually abused as children and what may appear to them to be a choice really isnât at all, just a continuation of that abuse. On balance I think it should be decriminalized, but with strict safeguards and exit/support routes where necessary.
I do, on the other hand, have a problem when women, (and it does tend to be women, rarely men,) are called 'sluts' 'slags' etc. and often by those who actually engage in sex with them; those who take the moral high ground; those who are sexually repressed themselves; or simply those who are highly judgemental. I also have a problem with those who assume that, as in Helenâs case, âonce a prostitute always a prostituteâ and that she is incapable of having any relationship without money changing hands.